Is Donald Trump trying to surgically remove government waste with a jackhammer, or is he deliberately trying to destroy the functionality of American democracy? If he is trying to destroy this country, has he calculated to facilitate establishment of a Trump dictatorship?

He seems to admire Putin and Xi, and their use of power to conquer other countries. The Trump threats and intimidation directed at Canada, Mexico, Panama, Greenland, Denmark and Colombia seem to fit the bully mentality of a dictator.

Trump went to Wharton School of Business and Finance, graduating in 1968. One professor and author, William T. Kelley, who taught there for 31 years, said that “Donald Trump was the dumbest g– d— student I ever had!” Trump’s lack of intelligence and narcissistic personality disorder are creating the perfect storm.

This Republican administration has confirmed department heads and filled cabinet posts with Trump loyalists who are lacking competency; Trump may be counting on that loyalty to back up his designs. He is also planning to remove Pentagon generals and replace them with loyalists. What’s next?

Attacks on the judicial branch of government and the legislative? If demonstrations against Trump escalate, will he use that as an excuse to declare martial law? No doubt China and Russia take great pleasure watching the current Republican administration systematically dismantle the most successful democratic government, and most powerful and innovative economy in the world.

DAVID FITCH

Astoria