Just as there are two paths (mass mobilization vs. control of the armed forces) to fascism, so there are two kinds of fascist leaders. The first is highly ideological; the leader in question has a deep reverence for traditional culture and firm, unwavering ideas about how to return the nation from its current corrupt state to its previous moment of glory. The second, by contrast, completely rejects ideology and the entire idea of objective truth in favor of faith in an omnipotent leader, who is consequently free to change his tactics on a dime as circumstances require. Franco is the best example of the first kind of fascist; Kim and Putin are excellent examples of the second.
If you’re wondering, Hitler and Mussolini lean more towards the second group, given the fluid nature of their ideological views and tactical flexibility, but obviously have some of the characteristics of the first group, as well. Donald Trump would have been the ideal type for the second group if he had not been too lazy and narcissistic to be a committed fascist.
On its face, the differences between the two types are so stark as to be unreconcilable. One believes in an anachronistic truth; the other denies truth and embraces power. Which is more likely to prevail in America? Based on our experience with Trump, you would have to say the second type, but it is hard to see any future Trumps among the list of potential GOP contenders in 2024.