In Donald Trump’s Oval Office a bust of Winston Churchill sits on a table near the fireplace. Trump’s supporters like to compare him to the legendary British leader but, after days of blanket coverage of the new US president’s every word, the newly returned bust is a mute reminder of another comparison. Churchill spent his prime ministership fighting dictators. Trump joked about being one.

Certainly, the characteristics of concentrated power have been on display, with President Trump signing a record 42 executive orders on his first day and more than 200 executive actions.