[ctdonath2]

Seems the goal wouldn’t be to take over, but just to break the leadership. Sufficient disruption would get US out of the way for other megalomaniacs to get on with their goals. Flaw in the plan is our military would remain intact, and have motivation (and lack of resistance) to carry out lots of well-laid plans.

As described, the disruption could be effective but brief. Some Congresscritter would be recognized as “next in line”, would assume temporary role of POTUS with military backing, appoint occupants of all empty seats, initiate elections (which are operated by the states), and within a few months be back to normal. In the meantime, the entire bureaucratic structure would remain intact and functional.
Upshot: evening news would be buzzing for a while, and a few petty fights would break out, but we’d be back up & running in short order with little change save for some names - and a very bad attitude.

[danielmryan]

As described, the disruption could be effective but brief. Some Congresscritter would be recognized as “next in line”, would assume temporary role of POTUS with military backing, appoint occupants of all empty seats, initiate elections (which are operated by the states), and within a few months be back to normal. In the meantime, the entire bureaucratic structure would remain intact and functional.

Thanks. You're right, especially with regard to the bureaucracy. It didn't occur to me that the bureaucratic State, underneath a legitimate Legislature, is an effective countermeasure to that strategem.