To the Journal editor:

Why does President Trump continue to stand up for Vladimir Putin at the expense of our national intelligence agency? Why has he overlooked the cover up of the murder/dismemberment of a reporter from an American newspaper by Saudi Arabia? Why has North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un enjoyed such support from Trump?

Given these proclivities, it is no wonder this administration is exhibiting key features of autocratic leadership. With little regard for human life, President Trump has separated children from their parents as the Mexican border, called for states to reopen contrary to his own medical experts resulting in a surge of cases overwhelming many hospitals, and telling schools to reopen without any plans for safety. Chaos and death have ensued.

The other key feature of autocratic rule is the focus on pleasing the leader to make him appear always right and all powerful. When anyone disagrees with an authoritarian leader, they are attacked as being disrespectful and often labeled as traitors or enemies. Power demands respect and confers the right to speak and not be challenged, even by your own party.

The institutions designed to protect our democracy- newspapers and media, are branded as enemies. The judiciary is protecting President Trump and Congress’ ability to oversee the administration is weakening. The only thing left between democracy and authoritarianism is the courts and our elections.