Opinion: Would Trump showcase dictatorial tendencies in a second term? No, but his leadership would still be catastrophic

Author William Cooper, known for "How America Works … And Why It Doesnt," can be followed on Substack @williamowencooper. The views expressed in this commentary are his own, and more opinions can be read on CNN.

There is a growing concern among prominent figures that America may veer towards dictatorship should Donald Trump win the 2024 election. Robert Kagan, a prominent foreign policy scholar, recently cautioned in The Washington Post that "In just a few years, we have gone from being relatively secure in our democracy to being a few short steps, and a matter of months, away from the possibility of dictatorship." Former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney echoed similar sentiments, stating that "the things that we see happening today is a sort of a sleepwalking into dictatorship in the United States."

Attributed to William Cooper

Trump is even on board, stating to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday night that he would act like a dictator, but only on "day one" of his presidency. "We are shutting down the border and drilling, drilling, drilling," he said. "After that, I'm no longer a dictator." He recently used the language of past dictators to threaten his political adversaries, promising to "eliminate the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left criminals who live in our country like pests."

If Trump is elected, it does not mean he will become a dictator. A dictator controls the functions of the government. According to Merriam Webster, a dictator is "one holding complete autocratic control: a person with unlimited governmental power." This is the goal that Trump will likely pursue. However, he will not come close to achieving "complete autocratic control" over the American government.

Seven reasons why a second term for Trump could pose a serious threat, as pointed out by Washington Post columnist Ishaan Tharoor, include his potential use of authoritarian tactics such as purging the federal bureaucracy, targeting political opponents with the Justice Department, filling government agencies with loyalists, and using pardons as incentives for loyalty.

Under Trump's presidency, the Department of Justice did not pursue legal action against his political adversaries. Instead, the department declined Trump's requests to prosecute Obama, Biden, Clinton, Comey, McCabe, and others. However, several of Trump's associates were prosecuted for various offenses, including Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, Paul Manafort, and Tom Barrack.

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The president of the United States does not have authority over these matters. Grand juries are overseen by the federal courts, not the executive branch. Federal judges serve for life and can only be removed through impeachment by Congress. The trial judge and appellate courts are the only authorities that can influence a jury's decision.

Judges appointed by Trump, all approved by the Senate majority, have shifted the federal courts towards a conservative stance. However, they have also demonstrated their independence by ruling against Trump on multiple occasions. The Supreme Court allowed a New York prosecutor to access Trump's tax returns, denied Trump's attempt to end DACA, and rejected Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Given his historically low approval ratings, the opposition to a potential second term for Trump is expected to be strong across all levels of government.

Trump at age 4. He was born in 1946 to Fred and Mary Trump in New York City. His father was a real estate developer.

Trump, left, in a family photo. He was the second-youngest of five children.

Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.

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In 1976, Trump is seen with Alfred Eisenpreis, New York's economic development administrator, as they review a sketch of the new 1,400-room renovation project of the Commodore Hotel. Following his college graduation in 1968, Trump partnered with his father on developments in Queens and Brooklyn before acquiring and constructing numerous properties in New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey. These properties encompassed Trump Tower in New York, Trump Plaza, and several casinos in Atlantic City.

Trump wears a hard hat at the Trump Tower construction site in New York in 1980.

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Trump stands in the atrium of Trump Tower.

Trump attends the opening of his new Atlantic City casino, the Taj Mahal, in 1989.

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Trump putts a golf ball in his New York office in 1998.

Trump participated in a news conference back in 2005 to announce the launch of Trump University. However, the university faced legal issues as it closed in 2010, with approximately 10,000 people signing up for a program that promised success in real estate. The program became the subject of three lawsuits, including two class-action suits in California and one filed by the attorney general of New York, all alleging fraud and deception. Shortly after his presidential election victory in November 2016, Trump settled the lawsuits, insisting that he could have won at trial but chose to prioritize his presidential duties. He consistently denied the fraud allegations.

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Trump poses with Miss Universe contestants in 2011. Trump had been executive producer of the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants since 1996.

In June 2015, during a speech from Trump Tower, Trump announced that he was running for president. He said he would give up "The Apprentice" to run.

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In July 2016, Trump spoke at the Republican National Convention, where he accepted the party's nomination for president. "I have been fortunate in my business endeavors," he stated. "But now, my only focus is to serve our nation and its citizens. It's time to achieve success for the American people." - John Moore/Getty Images

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Two days after his victory in the election, Trump met with President Barack Obama at the White House. Despite having previously criticized Trump's fitness to control the nuclear codes, Obama expressed his desire for Trump to succeed and pledged to support a seamless transition. "As I mentioned yesterday, my top priority in the coming months is to help facilitate a transition that allows our president-elect to thrive," Obama stated.

In November 2016, Trump dined with Mitt Romney in New York as part of the transition team's effort to fill high-level positions for the new administration. Romney was rumored to be in the running for secretary of state, but the position ultimately went to Rex Tillerson.

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In January 2017, Trump was seen shaking hands with FBI Director James Comey at a White House reception. However, just a few months later, Comey was fired by Trump, removing the man responsible for overseeing the FBI's investigation into potential collusion between members of Trump's campaign and Russia in the 2016 election interference. The Trump administration cited Comey's handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's email server as the reason for his dismissal.

Trump holds a phone discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other world leaders he spoke with upon assuming office. In the Oval Office, Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Vice President Mike Pence, senior adviser Steve Bannon, press secretary Sean Spicer, and national security adviser Michael Flynn were present, from left to right. Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters/Newscom.

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President Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, attended the inauguration ceremony for the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They were joined by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. More photos from Trump's first foreign tour in May 2017 can be seen here.

Pope Francis stands with Trump and his family during a private audience at the Vatican in May 2017. Joining the president were his wife and his daughter Ivanka.

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During a listening session in February 2018, Trump hosted student survivors of mass shootings, along with their parents and teachers. He held his notes, which included prompts such as "1. What would you most want me to know about your experience?" "2. What can we do to help you feel safe?" and "5. I hear you."

In April 2018, Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the White House, walking to the Oval Office for their meeting. During his address to US lawmakers from both the Senate and the House, Macron urged the United States to be more involved in global affairs, a stance that differed from the isolationist approach taken by the Trump administration since taking office. A photo by Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images captures the moment.

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In June 2018, Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made history by sitting down for a summit in Singapore. This marked the first time that a sitting US president had ever met with a North Korean leader. Following the summit, they both signed a document pledging to "work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." As part of the agreement, Trump also committed to "provide security guarantees" to North Korea.

A close-up of Trump's shirt cuff reads "45" as he speaks during a Cabinet meeting in June 2018.

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Michael Reynolds/EPA

In July 2018, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands at the end of their summit in Helsinki, Finland. Trump expressed his belief that the meeting had significantly improved relations between the two countries. "Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that," Trump said during a joint news conference. The Putin meeting was the last part of Trump's weeklong trip to Europe.

Rapper Kanye West rose to his feet during his October 2018 Oval Office meeting with Trump. West and football legend Jim Brown were invited for a working lunch to discuss urban revitalization, workforce training programs, and strategies for addressing crime in Chicago.

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In December 2018, Trump and Vice President Mike Pence held a meeting at the White House with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The press was present for part of the meeting, during which there was intense debate and disagreement over funding for a border wall and the looming threat of a government shutdown. Eventually, parts of the federal government did shut down, and the shutdown ended up lasting a record-breaking 35 days.

In February 2019, Pelosi and Pence were seen applauding during Trump's delayed State of the Union address, which was postponed due to the extended government shutdown earlier that year. The image was captured by Doug Mills of The New York Times.

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In July 2019, crowds congregated around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to witness Trump's speech. The "Salute to America" ceremony showcased military flyovers, music, and a mostly non-political address with a patriotic flair. However, the event faced significant scrutiny leading up to it, with concerns about politicizing the military. Critics also pointed out the event's large VIP section and political donor tickets, suggesting it had the appearance of a partisan gathering.

Trump officially launched his re-election campaign with a rally in Orlando in June 2019.

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Trump speaks to the media on the South Lawn of the White House in June 2019.

Trump shares a laugh with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a working breakfast at the G-7 summit in Biarritz, France, in August 2019.

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In September 2019, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg observed as Trump entered the United Nations to address reporters. At the UN Climate Action Summit, the 16-year-old didn't hold back in her criticism of world leaders, accusing them of not taking sufficient action to address climate change: "For more than 30 years, the science has been crystal clear. How dare you continue to look away?" Trump later ridiculed Thunberg on Twitter.

In September 2019, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump during the UN General Assembly. The day before, the White House released a transcript of a conversation between Trump and Zelensky in which Trump urged Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, a potential political rival. Despite no evidence of wrongdoing by Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a formal impeachment inquiry on Trump. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, insisting there was "no pressure whatsoever" in his call with Zelensky. He was impeached by the House in December and acquitted by the Senate in February. (Photo credit: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

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Trump holds up a newspaper at the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2020. It was a day after he was acquitted in his impeachment trial.

Trump looks at a coronavirus model while touring the National Institutes of Health in March 2020.

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Trump hands a pen to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell during a bill-signing ceremony for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act in March 2020.

Trump stormed out of the White House Rose Garden after a coronavirus briefing in April 2020, following a tense exchange with Playboy correspondent and CNN analyst Brian Karem. Trump warned Karem to be quiet and threatened to leave if he continued speaking, labeling him a "loudmouth." This was not the first time Trump had expressed frustration towards reporters during coronavirus briefings.

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In June 2020, Trump is seen holding a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC during a photo op. The church had been partially set on fire during protests the night before. Prior to Trump's photo op, authorities dispersed peaceful protesters using rubber bullets, tear gas and flash bangs.

In June 2020, Trump made his first campaign rally appearance since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There were concerns about the potential spread of the virus due to the indoor venue, but approximately 6,200 people attended the rally at the BOK Center, which has a seating capacity of 19,199. Photo credit: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Redux

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Trump plays catch with former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera as he greets youth baseball players on the South Lawn of the White House in July 2020.

In August 2020, Trump took action by signing executive orders to extend coronavirus economic relief after negotiations between Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on a stimulus bill.

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Tom Brenner/Reuters

Lightning flashes as Trump exits Air Force One in August 2020. He was returning from a campaign rally in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in September 2020.

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Following the report by the New York Times stating that he did not pay any federal income taxes for 10 out of 15 years starting in 2000, Trump addressed the White House press corps. He refuted the story and insisted that he pays a significant amount in federal income taxes.

Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden participated in the first presidential debate in September 2020, with moderator Chris Wallace trying to navigate through the frequent shouting and rancor. The cross talk often made it difficult to follow either candidate's point.

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Trump, in his first public event since he was diagnosed with Covid-19, gives a campaign-style speech from the balcony of the White House on October 10, 2020.

Alex Brandon/AP

In October 2020, Trump spoke to NBC News' Savannah Guthrie at his town-hall event in Miami. Instead of debating each other in a town-hall format, Trump and Biden held separate town halls. This change in schedule occurred after Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus. The Commission on Presidential Debates had proposed a virtual debate, but Trump refused to take part, leading Biden to go ahead with plans for his own town hall. Subsequently, Trump's campaign arranged its own town hall on a different network during the same hour.

Trump addressed the audience during the second debate with Biden. Following the chaotic nature of the first debate, the Commission on Presidential Debates implemented a new rule: the candidates had their microphones muted while their opponent answered the initial question of each of the six segments of the debate.

Evan Vucci/AP

Trump plays golf in Sterling, Virginia, in November 2020. He was at the course when Joe Biden was projected as the winner of the presidential election.

Following his loss in the presidential election, Trump is getting ready to provide an update on the administration's coronavirus efforts. While he hinted at the fact that he would not be president after January 20, he fell short of acknowledging his defeat. "This administration will not implement a lockdown," he stated. "Whatever the future holds—who knows which administration it will be? Only time will tell. But I can assure you that this administration will not impose a lockdown," Trump declared in the White House Rose Garden. (Photo credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Trump waves goodbye as he boards Marine One for the last time in January 2021.

Trump bids farewell to his family and loved ones on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews as he prepares to depart for Florida, opting not to attend Joe Biden's inauguration. "I will always stand up for you," he declared to the gathering of supporters. "I will be observing. I will be listening, and let me assure you that the future of this nation is incredibly bright. I wish the new administration the best of luck and great accomplishments. I believe they will achieve great success. They have the groundwork to accomplish something truly remarkable."

Image credit: Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images

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Trump holds his first post-presidency rally at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, Ohio, in June 2021.

In May 2022, Trump made an appearance at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston. Alongside other GOP leaders, he spoke out against efforts to reform gun laws, and ridiculed Democrats and activists advocating for change. A photo captured the reflection of Trump in a camera lens during the event.

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, November 15. He announced that he will seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

In April 2023, Trump appeared at his arraignment in New York, accompanied by his defense team. The former president entered a plea of not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges related to falsifying business records. This marks the first instance in history of a current or former US president facing criminal charges.

Will Lanzoni/CNN

In August 2023, Trump's booking photo was taken in Atlanta, where he faced over a dozen charges related to his attempts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results. His booking number, P01135809, marked him as the first former US president to have a mug shot taken.

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The suggestion that the military would assist Trump in seizing control of the American government and becoming a dictator is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

Therefore, if Trump were to win in 2024, we would not see American democracy or dictatorship. Instead, we might witness an "American chaosracy," with the government descending into chaos.

The explosive combination of these factors presents a significant danger, particularly on the international stage where level-headed and thoughtful American leadership is crucial. Former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Robert Gates emphasized this in a recent essay for Foreign Affairs, highlighting that the United States is in a precarious position, facing aggressive adversaries while lacking the unity and strength needed to deter them. This situation could escalate even further if Trump were to return to power.

Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. If Trump wins, there is plenty to be concerned about with his belligerent and incoherent foreign policy. The last thing America or the world needs is a return to his me-first, reality-television-inspired brand of leadership.