Donald Trump (Photo via Reuters)
Several experts agree that Donald Trump is trying to gain more and more control by following tactics used by authoritarian leaders. One professor who studies dictators said it’s possible Trump may not live long enough to fully carry out his plans.
Writing for The Bulwark, Lee Morgenbesser, a professor from Griffith University in Australia, said the 79-year-old Trump is clearly showing signs of both mental and physical decline. According to him, Trump sometimes seems to know exactly what he’s doing, but at other times shows signs of confusion or possible dementia.
Morgenbesser put it bluntly, calling Trump either a scheming threat to American institutions or a mentally unwell and increasingly unstable person.
He said Trump hasn’t been able to fully take control because, even though he’s using the same strategies as past dictators, he’s not very good at it.
“Trump is trying to follow the authoritarian playbook, but he’s doing a poor job,” Morgenbesser wrote. “It’s like a high school team trying to copy NFL plays — even if the plans are the same, the results don’t match.”
He pointed out that Trump lacks the skill and discipline of dictators who’ve successfully dismantled democracies. His impulsive behavior also makes it harder to keep loyal supporters around.
Another major issue is Trump’s health. Over Labor Day weekend, he went unusually quiet and was only seen from a distance, which raised concerns.
“Time may not be on his side,” Morgenbesser said. “He’s already 79, his health is declining, and he’ll likely be under a lot of stress going forward. He doesn’t appear mentally strong, which is unfortunate for him and for the country.”
He ended with a warning: while some authoritarian leaders can keep people calm by boosting the economy or stirring up national pride, unstable leaders tend to ruin everything they’re involved in.
