The Financial Times reports a former senior U.S. intelligence official warned
that in a second term Donald Trump is following a 'dictator's playbook,'
weakening checks on his power and degrading U.S. security. Trump, who pledged to
fight the 'deep state' on returning to the White House, has sought to suppress
critics and demand personal loyalty. Former CIA station chief Paul Kolbe said
dictators follow a common script for seizing and exercising power that mirrors
current U.S. developments. National security lawyer Mark S. Zaid, whose security
clearance was revoked by the White House last year and who is in legal dispute
with Trump, warned the president will continue to consolidate power: All
safeguards have been removed, the worst is far from over.
