The Trump administration is on the short end of the nation’s debate over the president’s aggressive policies and actions, with nearly 6 in 10 likely voters agreeing that “fascism … is here.”

In the latest test of the public’s reaction to President Donald Trump’s tough talk, more voters than not — 47% to 44% — believe that ABC temporarily suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel because of the president’s criticism of him, not for violating network standards.

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In the latest Rasmussen Reports survey, voters also agreed with a Democratic critic that the suspension of Kimmel for six days was another sign that Trump was putting a stranglehold on democracy.

The pollster tested a charge from liberal Rep. Martin Frost (D-FL), who said after the Kimmel suspension, “The president and his lapdogs … are implementing a dangerous agenda to punish their opposition. Fascism is not on the way. It is here.”

Rasmussen found that 58% agreed that fascism “is here” while 38% didn’t. Of the majority, 40% were in the “strongly agree” category, driven by liberals and Democrats.

In blaming Trump for the suspension, which ABC said was also due to affiliate reaction to a nasty comment the host made about the assassination of popular conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 49% said the network was not justified in its action, versus 38% who said it was.

The suspension sparked a national debate on free speech, what people should be allowed to say on regulated TV airways, and the president’s increasing involvement in every corner of American society.

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The poll came as Trump has been cracking down on inner-city crime by deploying National Guard troops to Washington and Los Angeles, and as his administration expanded efforts to round up immigrants illegally in America for deportation.

The administration has strongly denied limiting free speech and squeezing democracy, but the poll suggests it is losing that argument.