The signs are becoming more apparent that Donald Trump’s firm hold on the 2024 presidential nomination for the Republican Party has only increased. Despite the growing awareness of his plans to exercise a heavy-handed use of power, Trump remains a formidable candidate in the polls. The sad truth is that many Americans are embracing the idea of a strong leader who operates without constraints.

Recent events have underscored Trump’s efforts to gain power, and his open discussion about using the Justice Department to undermine his opponents and to fill his administration with loyal followers should he be re-elected, shed light on his authoritarian intentions. Since he left the White House, Trump has been vocal about his plans to expand the power and reach of the executive branch.

Last month, the PRRI published the results of its annual American Values Survey, where they asked about the need for a leader who can bend rules to get things back on track. Almost half of Republicans supported this notion, indicating that many favor a shift towards authoritarianism.

A few years ago, political scientist Matthew MacWilliams identified authoritarian tendencies as a key indicator for Trump’s support among Republican voters. A national survey confirmed that only 18% of Americans held a strong opinion on authoritarianism, but a considerable extent expressed their support for a strong leader who acts outside legal boundaries.

CNN’s polling data also revealed that Trump leads Biden, despite the latter’s respect for the rule of law. The survey shows that Trump’s base is seriously considering him for the office, despite evidence of wrongdoing.

Overall, the growing recognition of Trump’s embrace of authoritarian power remains unconvincing to many Americans who still prefer him, demonstrating widespread support for Trump’s intentions.