American philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West says the era of Donald Trump is distinctive because of the escalation of white supremacy, he describes Trump’s presidency as neo-fascist.

“You have white supremacist perceptions, sensibilities and practices coming from above in a neo-fascist moment with a neo-fascist in the White House,” West says.

West also believes Trump himself is racist, “if Donald Trump is not a racist,” West says, “then I don’t know what a racist is.”

“He’s a narcissist, he’s a racist, he’s a xenophobe, he’s patriarchal, he’s homophobic … he’s a sign and symptom of a spiritually decadent culture that allows someone like him to have that kind of power.”

West says the US has always been white supremacist, just like it has always been male supremacist, and capitalist, but says this neo-fascist moment is distinctive.

“And this is why I think so many people are depressed, especially on the left and in liberal circles, because they think that somehow this is so new that it might be impossible to overcome.”

West says the only way to get through this “neo-fascist moment” is through tremendous struggle and solidarity based on a commitment to poor and working people.

“We have to have real, real examples of integrity, honesty, decency, courage and hope,” West says.