...disguised as a pre-emptive strike against a left-wing coup.

Perhaps the Trump gang had nothing to do with this, but it is pretty clear how it worked right into their other plans. "The Storm" sounds like perfect cover for a fascist takeover of the US Government. Its the narrative designed to make martial law, muzzling of the press, and the cancellation of elections (or of ignoring their results) possible. If that tool was ever needed, it would already be oiled and sharpened, hanging on the pegboard ready for use.

Again, I have no evidence that the Trump administration had anything to do with QAnon, or even that they planned to take advantage of its presence or propaganda, but it is certain that whoever is behind the Q phenomenon was certainly trying to set the stage for a fascist coup, and preparing public attitudes for it. A lot of this smells like Russian meddling, although I have no direct evidence of that either. Its the sort of meme that is released ahead of time to help destabilize a government. It doesn't necessarily spark a rebellion, it just makes it easier.

As our own Zone wingnuts used to smugly and self-righteously pronounce; "Just sayin'...".