He acts persecuted but rarely is actually punished. That’s the key. You’re trusting him when he tells you he’s persecuted.
No, I’m not - but every single one of his supporters and all those wavering are.
Your country sleptwalked into a Trump presidency in 2016 because everyone thought it wasn’t possible for him to win, because it was clear how awful he is. You’re running the risk of underestimating him again.