The dangerous rise of imperialist rhetoric and behavior under the Trump administration is marked by a blatant disregard for democratic norms and international stability. Trump has disrespected the U.S. military by calling for its deployment against American citizens protesting in cities like Los Angeles, treating domestic dissent as an enemy to be crushed rather than a voice to be heard. During his widely criticized "dictator parade," even the troops were unprepared—marching out of sync, a symbol of the administration’s hollow pageantry. His imperial ambitions have spilled over borders, from jokingly threatening to annex Canada as the “51st state” and making overtures to purchase Greenland, to floating plans to declare war on Mexican cartels and even suggesting building condos on the Gaza Strip. Trump's extreme alignment with Israel, coupled with speculation over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and fears of damaging leaks, has led to concerns that he would risk global conflict—even World War III—to protect his image and alliances. This reckless blend of authoritarianism, militarism, and personal self-interest reveals a deeply troubling imperialist mindset that threatens both U.S. democracy and global peace.