I think if a crackdown occurs it will be under complete control of the military. POTUS will be out of picture. On AF1 or in a secure base out of the country.
All public communications will be from the military. To the populace it will look like the essential military operation that it is, with no comms from POTUS.
This will help with the "dictator' narrative, as the military explains the operation to the public. At the conclusion of kinetic operations the military will oversee an interim government.
Trump. as the last legally elected POTUS will assume duties again during the preparation for a new election. Constitution will have been suspended, so no constitutional parameters concerning the illegal 2020 election will be in force.
Q said, I believe, it can't look political. The only way is the military. Looking more likely everyday, as I see it.