Dwain Northey (Gen X)

Ah yes, Donald J. Trump — the self-proclaimed genius, the man who “knows more than the generals,” and apparently, more than scientists, doctors, historians, economists, and anyone else whose pesky “facts” get in the way of his narrative. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when someone follows the Dictator Playbook word-for-word, wonder no more. Trump’s basically got the thing memorized, highlighted, and dog-eared, probably next to his bed under a stack of cheeseburger wrappers.

Step one in the handbook? Disallow any information that isn’t flattering. Trump has mastered this with the grace of a mall Santa being asked about tax reform. Government reports that don’t line up with his “everything’s great” storyline? Buried. Statistics showing the economy isn’t quite as magical as he claims? Suddenly “fake news.” Intelligence briefings he doesn’t like? Ignored or rewritten until they’re sufficiently worshipful. Why waste time on reality when you can just… invent your own?

Step two? Attack and dismantle science. Nothing says “visionary leader” quite like cutting funding to climate research during an actual climate crisis, muzzling the CDC during a pandemic, and replacing scientific advisory boards with fossil fuel lobbyists. Facts are a real buzzkill when your entire platform relies on keeping people in the dark, so why not dim the lights entirely? That way, you can sell whatever nonsense you want—be it “windmills cause cancer” or “inject bleach to fight viruses”—and your loyal followers will eat it up like it’s the gospel truth.

And, oh, the misinformation. This man doesn’t just spread lies; he plants them, waters them, and gives them a little hug every night before bed. He has transformed the presidential podium into a full-time disinformation machine, pumping out half-baked conspiracy theories about elections, scientists, and the press, all while insisting he’s the lone beacon of truth in a corrupt world. That’s classic authoritarianism: convince your base that only you can be trusted, and suddenly, the truth doesn’t matter—only loyalty does.

The Dictator Playbook says you keep your followers confused, angry, and suspicious of anyone outside the cult. Trump? He’s basically running a master class. If Orwell were alive, he’d sue for copyright infringement.

But sure, it’s all just “tough leadership,” not at all the slow dismantling of a democratic society. Because when you’re The Donald, the only reality worth believing in is the one you made up yourself—science, facts, and democracy be damned.