The Illusion of a Benevolent Dictatorship: Trump’s Fascination with Authoritarian Power and His Self-Coronation Fantasy

Donald Trump has long expressed admiration for strongman leaders. From Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong-un, he has openly praised autocrats for their ability to rule without the checks and balances of democratic institutions. Time and again, he has voiced envy for their capacity to make decisions unburdened by parliaments, courts, or dissenting voices. More than once, Trump has hinted at his own aspirations for absolute power, floating the idea of ruling as a “dictator for a day” and making comments that suggest a deep-seated desire to govern without constraint.

Yet, what is most striking is that his supporters don’t recoil from such rhetoric—in fact, they embrace it. Many of them genuinely believe that a Trump dictatorship would serve their interests, crushing their perceived enemies while elevating their own status. But history, and logic, suggest otherwise. Dictators do not remain loyal to their followers. The very authoritarianism that Trump's base celebrates in theory will, in practice, be turned against them.

Trump’s Attraction to Dictatorship and the Fantasy of Absolute Power

Unlike past American presidents who viewed democracy as an essential component of national strength, Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with the very institutions designed to keep power in check. Whether it’s the judiciary blocking his policies, the media scrutinizing his actions, or Congress limiting his executive reach, he has never hidden his disdain for democracy’s slow, deliberative processes.

His admiration for dictators is rooted in a simple fact: he resents accountability. In his worldview, power should be absolute, decisions should be unilateral, and opposition should be silenced. The constraints of democracy, from the rule of law to the free press, are not just inconveniences to him—they are obstacles to be eliminated.

But Trump’s obsession with unchecked power goes beyond admiration for dictators. Increasingly, he sees himself not just as a leader but as a monarch—a king above the law. In speeches and social media posts, he has hinted at the idea that his presidency should never have ended, that he remains the true ruler, and that his return to power will be something more permanent. His rhetoric is no longer that of a democratic leader—it is the language of self-coronation.

The Coronation of Trump: From President to King

The fantasy of monarchy is deeply embedded in Trump’s self-image. He has spoken of how leaders like Xi Jinping and Putin have effectively made themselves rulers for life. He has floated the idea of repealing term limits, joking—but not really joking—about staying in power indefinitely.

What if Trump declared himself monarch? Given his rhetoric and the blind loyalty of his base, such an idea may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

• Symbolically, he already sees himself as crowned – Trump’s gold-plated aesthetic, his obsession with loyalty, and his demands for absolute obedience mimic the behavior of historical kings rather than democratic leaders.
• He has created the narrative of divine right – In Trump’s world, he is not just a political figure; he is a chosen one, anointed to rule. His followers, including some evangelical leaders, reinforce this messianic image.
• He has normalized the rejection of democratic processes – By constantly undermining elections, refusing to accept results, and encouraging loyalty oaths, he has conditioned his supporters to accept the idea that democracy is an obstacle to his rightful rule.

In a second term—or even before—Trump could embrace the full spectacle of self-coronation. Perhaps in a gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, surrounded by fawning courtiers, he could stage a "Make America Great Again" coronation ceremony, complete with a golden throne and loyalists swearing fealty. Would his supporters resist such a move? Or would they welcome their new king, believing—wrongly—that his monarchy would serve their interests?

The Delusion of Trump’s Supporters

Trump’s base, particularly the most fervent elements of his movement, often romanticizes the idea of a “tough leader” who will bypass bureaucracy and impose their will. They imagine a Trump dictatorship where:

• Immigration is immediately halted.
• Progressive voices are silenced.
• The economy is structured to favor them.
• The media is brought under control.
• Their cultural grievances are addressed with swift, punitive action.

They believe that an unchecked Trump would use authoritarian power in their favor. But this belief rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of how dictatorship actually works.

When the Dictatorship Turns Against Them

Authoritarian rule does not operate on ideological loyalty; it operates on survival, self-interest, and consolidation of power. Trump’s supporters expect him to wield unchecked authority in ways that benefit them—but in reality, authoritarian rule follows a different trajectory:

1. Economic Hardship for the Middle Class – The fantasy of an authoritarian government catering to its working-class base is just that—a fantasy. Historically, authoritarian regimes serve the interests of the ruling elite while the general population bears the brunt of economic mismanagement, inflation, and austerity. The very people who cheer Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions will find themselves crushed under policies that favor corporate interests and financial elites.

2. Social Policies That Ignore Their Needs – Authoritarian leaders do not govern with fairness or consistency. The grievances of Trump’s supporters will not be solved by a dictatorship—instead, social instability, loss of rights, and increased government intervention in personal freedoms will follow.

3. Information Control That Silences Everyone, Including His Base – Many Trump supporters celebrate his hostility toward the press and free speech, believing that censorship will only apply to liberals, journalists, and dissenters. But once authoritarian information control is in place, it does not stop at silencing political enemies—it extends to everyone. Dissent is not tolerated, including from those who initially supported the regime.

4. The Elimination of Democratic Protections That They Themselves Depend On – The legal system that Trump so often derides as an obstacle is the same system that protects ordinary Americans from government overreach. If Trump succeeds in dismantling institutional checks, his own supporters will be among those who suffer. Labor protections, civil liberties, and due process will no longer be guaranteed.

The Hard Landing: When Reality Sets In

Trump’s supporters may fantasize about a dictatorship that works in their favor, but the reality will be starkly different. When authoritarian power is consolidated, it does not remain benevolent to its original backers—it becomes a machine that serves only itself. By the time his base realizes that Trump’s dictatorship does not care about them, it will be too late. The very institutions they cheered him for dismantling are the same institutions they will wish still existed when they find themselves on the receiving end of government overreach.

The Inevitable Betrayal

Should Trump declare himself “King of America,” his first victims will be those who helped put him on the throne. History is filled with examples of regimes that turn against their own supporters when they are no longer useful. The mob that cheers for Trump’s coronation will find itself in the same position as every movement that mistakenly believed their dictator would rule in their favor.

In the end, there is no such thing as a dictatorship that only punishes your enemies. It will always come for you, too.