Trump has 'emboldened' and 'enabled' authoritarians like Putin as they seek to become presidents for life

During his time in the White House, President Donald Trump has delivered harsher criticism of the media, the judiciary, congressional lawmakers, and in some cases even members of his own administration than many of the world's most repressive leaders.

Trump's tendency to coddle dictators has "emboldened" them and exacerbated attacks on democracy worldwide, experts warn amid a week in which Russian President Vladimir Putin is seemingly taking steps toward becoming president for life.

"There is no doubt that Trump has created a more permissive environment for dictators by not forcefully speaking out against democratic backsliding and growing authoritarianism in places like Russia and China," Sheri Berman, a professor of political science at Barnard College with expertise in democracy, populism, and fascism, told Insider.

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