A recent column by Andrew Coyne in the Globe and Mail has sparked controversy over its claims regarding former President Donald Trump. Coyne argues that Trump’s presidency has evolved into a dictatorship, stating, "the dictatorship of Donald Trump is no longer a theoretical possibility or even a distant probability. It is an imminent reality." He accuses Trump of illegally accumulating power and defying the Constitution.

Coyne points to the addition of a ballroom to the White House as evidence of Trump’s intent to remain in power beyond his term. He suggests that Trump might cancel the 2028 presidential election or ignore its results, claiming that Trump could do so with the support of military officials he appointed. Coyne concludes, "That Mr. Trump is bent on making himself dictator is no longer in doubt."

Critics of Coyne’s assertions argue that his claims are unfounded. They emphasize that the U.S. military is non-political and that Trump has not violated the Constitution. They contend that Coyne’s perspective is influenced by his strong opposition to Trump, leading to what they describe as a distorted view of the former president’s actions.

Supporters of Trump highlight that he has not attempted to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional limits. They argue that the likelihood of Trump trying to remain in office after January 20, 2029, is virtually nonexistent. Some acknowledge that while Trump’s personality may be polarizing, he has demonstrated courteousness and loyalty in personal and business relationships.

The column also touches on Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., which was praised by the city’s Democratic mayor, Muriel Bowser, for reducing crime rates. Critics of the current administration argue that Trump had a clear mandate to enforce immigration laws, noting that he deported fewer individuals than his predecessor, Barack Obama.

Additionally, the column references controversies surrounding the FBI and CIA during the Obama administration, including the Steele Dossier, which has been discredited. It also mentions changes to voting rules in the 2020 election, which were enacted by Congress and state officials rather than state legislatures, as required by the Constitution.

The debate over Trump’s presidency and the implications of his actions continues to evoke strong opinions on both sides, reflecting the deep divisions in American political discourse.