They like the idea of somebody they think is on their side not giving a shit about the law, and they’re too dull-witted and emotionally invested to recognize the simple fact that somebody who doesn’t give a shit about the law doesn’t give a shit about them either, and will betray them to get what he wants exactly as easily as he broke the law to get what he wants.

That’s the thing with tyrants. They pretty much never come to power entirely on their own. It’s nearly always the case that they come to power because some significant number of people ignored the clear warning signs and supported them anyway - actually believed that supporting this transparently power-hungry lying sack of shit was a good thing.

And then by the time those people figure out the score, it’s too late.