Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, emerged as one of the wealthiest individuals in the early 1900s, embodying a contemporary type of extremist demagogue reminiscent of historical warnings made by figures like Hamilton. He utilized his publication, the Dearborn Independent, to disseminate his controversial beliefs. Through this platform, Ford vehemently criticized various groups, including bankers, Jews, and Bolsheviks, alleging that Jewish bankers were engaged in a conspiracy against the American populace.

Ford's inflammatory rhetoric resonated with a global audience of racists, garnering significant support and further exemplifying how his extremist views violated democratic principles. His influence and the ideas he propagated contributed to a climate of distrust and division, showcasing the dangers posed by demagogues in any society, as articulated in Steven Levitsky's book "How Democracies Die."