They see Russia as the perfect model to be. 2 classes: the elite and the peasants that know their place. Heavy Christian control. Illegal to be gay or trans. The elite can do whatever they want whenever they want and the peasantry has to suck it up. No one’s investigating them. No court is gonna hold them accountable. All you gotta do is kiss the ring of the Top Guy so he doesnt have you thrown out a window or make special Tea.
If I was a rich Republican I too would want to be like a Russian Oligarch.