He was questioning the legitimacy of the general election against HRC, and would have NOT conceded had the electoral vote count declared Clinton the winner. His 2020-21 insurrection was an accumulation of his own sentiments, but with the increased power that comes with a presidency. Trumpy's long-term history shows an intolerance for the democratic process. Anyone could have reasonably guessed, back in 2016, that when Trump factually LOSES, he'll insist that it isn't true, and he'll manipulate anyone and anything possible to reverse his losses. It's no secret, and it's never been a secret. THAT'S WHO HE IS, and that's what he's shown us.
That authoritarian governance has nearly found a home in the US should not be a surprise to observers. Trumpy-Boy just filled the void.
Authoritarian governance as an idea, and possibly, a trend, comes on the heels of DECADES of separating citizens from knowledge of the foundations of governance within a democratic republic. Nationally, we have NO mandate to educate our citizens of the philosophy and operations of government. Civics classes in school have been gutted or eliminated altogether (along with liberal arts). So, for millions, the "sausage-making" of laws and regulations are a foreign concept, but the idea of a singular "leader" has strong familiarity. So it makes sense that dictatorships don't seem terribly unreasonable to millions.
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