While Machiavelli doesn't explicitly advocate for tricking enemies or citizens, he does argue that a ruler must be willing to employ whatever means necessary to maintain power, even if those means are considered morally questionable. He famously states, "It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."
He also discusses the use of deception as a tool for achieving political ends, writing, "A prince who is not wise should at least appear to be so."
It's important to note that Machiavelli's work is not a straightforward guide to being a tyrant. He believed that a strong and stable state was essential for the good of its citizens, and he argued that a ruler must be willing to make difficult decisions, even if they are unpopular, in order to achieve that goal.
However, his emphasis on pragmatism and his willingness to consider amoral actions have led many to interpret his work as justifying political ruthlessness.