Recently, President Trump stated emphatically that he isn’t a dictator, even as many Americans expressed a desire for a leader like him. This revelation raises eyebrows, especially since, unlike some countries that have transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy, most Americans don’t truly grasp the implications of wanting such leadership. Perhaps it’s time to change that narrative.
The Declaration of Independence points to George III’s “absolute tyranny” and denounces him as unfit to oversee free individuals. But we’re looking at a span of almost 250 years, and contemporary Americans lack the recollection of our own past under dictatorial rule. Learning from other nations might be essential here.
For example, Brazil came out of a two-decade military dictatorship not so long ago, in the early 1980s. The scars from that period are still fresh for many who lived through it. The military regime silenced dissenters, targeted the press, and eroded freedoms. Consequently, in recent developments, federal police charged former president Jair Bolsonaro and his followers for allegedly trying to orchestrate a coup after the 2022 election, leading to a conviction by a majority of Brazil’s Supreme Court just last week.
Chile also suffered a harsh 17-year rule under General Augusto Pinochet, resulting in around 3,000 deaths, widespread torture, and suppression of political activities. Years of protest and scrutiny culminated in Pinochet stepping back from power in 1990, following a failed coup attempt and international outcry.
Similarly, South Korea had a long history of military regimes from the 1960s until the late 1980s. Mirroring Brazil and Chile, South Koreans reacted furiously when the president declared martial law last year. On the same day, parliamentary privileges were suspended, and ten days later, he dismissed the president for plotting against Parliament. By early this year, he was arrested following his inauguration.
The situation in the U.S. diverges remarkably. After inciting a riot on January 6, 2021, Donald Trump faced no real consequences and, astonishingly, pursued re-election. Subsequently, he pardoned many involved in the Capitol incident, actions that were met with approval from a significant portion of the Republican party. Even now, many party members seem to back Trump’s current initiatives—like trimming government programs—despite them bypassing Congress and disregarding court rulings on immigration enforcement.
So, why do so many Americans seem quick to abandon the principles of law and democracy? Maybe it’s because they lack a real understanding of what a dictatorship entails. It’s possible that they mistakenly believe such a system can’t take root here. After all, Trump’s declaration of not being a dictator might give some a false sense of security—even though, evidence suggests otherwise. Or perhaps people perceive him simply as a temporary leader who will step aside once he sets things right.
History, however, indicates dictators rarely relinquish power willingly. Trump’s repeated hints at running for another term—despite constitutional barriers—might embolden supporters who wish for his continued leadership. Recent polls show many Republicans actually favor him attempting a third term, which raises troubling questions about our democratic norms.
Critics of Trump’s increasingly authoritarian style should reflect on years of human rights violations and the troubling expansion of executive power, drawing parallels with countries that have lost their democratic institutions like Nicaragua, Turkey, and Russia.
The Declaration of Independence was penned to alert colonists about the oppressive actions of George III and assert that tyranny should not be tolerated. The U.S. Constitution seeks to uphold this democratic framework. It’s vital for Americans—regardless of their views— to truly recognize the repercussions of abandoning these principles for an authoritarian alternative.
