The question is neatly encapsulated in “man on golf cart;” is Trump a dangerous tyrant, or does he just aspire to play one on TV? Lots of pundits have weighed in on this issue on both sides. Is there a definitive answer?
You don’t have to choose: he can be both, and is. Nobody would question his bona fides as a figure of absurdity, but it is perfectly possible to be a ridiculous dictator–just ask Mussolini. In any event, even if he doesn’t actually aspire to be a tyrant, both events and the people around him could drive him to become one.
To put the issue another way, if you asked Trump if he objected more to being called a fascist than a loser, what do you think he would say? Exactly! Regardless of what he might actually want in his heart of hearts, he will burn down half of the country if that’s what it takes to be recognized as the unquestioned leader of the remaining half.