...and then when they’re needed, like now, they have less weight..

fascism is the overall kind of flavor. but this characterization seems to suit
the situation.

[en.m.wikipedia.org]

lol.... I suppose I should make a comment regarding the post. fascism may be used too often. there are lots of other pejoratives which would work just as well. lots.

[en.wikipedia.org]

Unless said person/group ARE fascist. Using the definition of far right, autocratic, dictatorial ideology. One example is attempting to, or successfully silencing the press. Fascist action.
I’m not sure how YOU define it. I’ve encountered folks right of Hitler who don’t believe they are fascists, but keep dreaming.

Agreed. If you call Donald Trump and his minions fascists, you would be correct. When Trumpers refer to public servants as fascist because they want their citizenry safe, they're just being the morons that they are.

Couldn't agree with you more on that.

Fascist!