Trump: “I Will Not Become a Dictator”

WASHINGTON — In a televised town hall event in Iowa, Republican presidential candidate Donald⁣ Trump addressed concerns about his potential to⁤ become a dictator if reelected ⁤to ​the White House.

When asked to deny that he would⁣ abuse power to seek revenge on political⁢ opponents, Trump responded, “No. No. Other than ‍day one.” He clarified that on “day one,” he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil‍ drilling.

Trump’s statements have⁣ sparked reactions from both Democrats​ and Republicans, ⁤with warnings about the dangers of America becoming an autocracy ⁤if ​he wins the 2024 election.

Reactions and Concerns

Following the event, Biden’s ​campaign manager, ‍Julie Chavez Rodriguez, expressed concern, stating, “Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he‍ will do if he’s reelected and tonight he said‌ he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should‌ believe him.”

Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican ‍who is⁢ an outspoken critic of Trump, also voiced her concerns, calling a Trump dictatorship a “very real threat” if he wins reelection.

Upcoming‌ Republican Debate

Trump’s rivals for the nomination, including Florida⁢ Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.S. ‌Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki⁣ Haley, will appear at ‍a televised debate ⁢on Wednesday at the University of Alabama. Trump, ⁣however, ⁢will‍ skip the event, as he has done ‌for the three previous Republican debates.

Biden’s ​Warnings

President Joe Biden has repeatedly warned‌ that Trump ​is a threat to democracy, and that a second Trump term could usher in an unprecedented and dangerous age of⁣ American autocracy.