Why are we surprised?
Trump admires dictators and despots.
He has stripped the top level of administration of anyone with knowledge and brains, and replaced them with yes-men. The only required attribute is loyalty (and tribute).
He has openly said that the American public won't have to vote again, and is actively dismantling democracy.
He has used his position to gain him and his equally disgusting family billions - the most corrupt public figure, let alone president, ever.
He supports and enables the worst white supremacists in the country, allows and encourages political violence when it's against his adversaries, and is racist himself.
And we're surprised when something like this happens?