Since Donald Trump’s return to the global stage as President of the United States, he has become the center of intense debate. People across the world are surprised by his unusual conduct, marked by shifting positions of support and opposition toward different countries, including India. Questions are now being raised about whether Trump is moving in the direction of dictatorship. Even within the US, many argue that he poses a danger to democracy, while his supporters insist that he alone has the strength to break a deeply corrupt system. His critics, however, maintain that his actions go against every established democratic norm.
When it comes to India, Trump’s approach has been especially confrontational. His remarks on tariff policies are disrupting global trade almost daily. At times, he describes Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a close friend, and at other times he claims that Modi is closer to Putin than to him. Trump also appears unsettled by Modi’s silence. As Modi’s image as a decisive and powerful leader gains international recognition, Trump’s irritation becomes more apparent. It seems clear that Trump evaluates foreign relations purely through the lens of profit and loss, which explains his hostile trade posture toward India. Recently, he announced higher tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia. When India later adopted a softer approach toward China, Trump once again reacted angrily. He appears particularly disturbed by Prime Minister Modi’s rising stature and his image of political invincibility. This may explain why, during the India–Pakistan confrontation and India’s Operation Sindoor, Trump attempted to take credit by claiming he had stopped the conflict.
India rejected his offer of mediation outright. From that moment, Trump seemed embittered and shifted his tone toward India, repeatedly threatening tariffs as high as 500 percent—a warning he continues to issue even now.
A deeper look reveals that Trump has skillfully brought institutions under his control in the name of the “America First” policy. He has used agencies like the FBI, attacked the media and press, and relied heavily on executive orders. In his second term, he withdrew security from hundreds of government officials and replaced them with loyalists. He expanded presidential authority through the Unitary Executive Theory. As a result, states such as California openly challenged his actions and democratic credentials. Personally, I believe Trump is rapidly turning into a dictator, though others view him as a strong leader. Ultimately, this depends on one’s understanding of democracy. Democratic balance rests on respect for institutions and the separation of powers, and Trump appears to be failing on both counts. His aggressive style increasingly reinforces the image of a dictator.
The most recent example is Venezuela. At the start of 2026, Trump announced a zero-tolerance policy and arrested President Maduro. Countries in the Western Hemisphere are unlikely to accept this quietly, as the US is clearly attempting to expand its dominance. It is widely known that the conflict over Venezuela is centered on oil, with reserves exceeding 300 billion barrels. This raises serious questions about whether the US intends to seize control of Venezuela’s oil resources, blending coercive tactics with energy interests. Trump is also facing growing international challenges because of this.
In a new development, the US has begun intercepting Russian oil tankers passing through Venezuelan waters, creating fresh tensions. Russia and China have protested this open aggression, exposing America’s oil-driven diplomacy. The coming period could prove extremely dangerous for the US and particularly for Trump. From my observation, the American democratic system rests on checks and balances. The Constitution limits presidential power, and US courts frequently strike down unconstitutional orders. Congress controls legislation and the budget, without which the president cannot achieve much. States like California consistently challenge Trump’s policies in court, which clearly frustrates him. Trump needs to reflect on the difference between authoritarian and participatory leadership, and understand that his legacy will not be shaped by his own declarations, but by the judgment of the American people and the wider world.
