IOWA: In a televised town hall event in Iowa, Donald Trump found himself addressing concerns about the possibility of abusing power and seeking revenge on political opponents if re-elected to the White House in 2024. Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, had to be asked twice to deny any intentions of becoming a “dictator” in his potential second term.
Responding to the question, Trump unequivocally stated, “No. No. Other than day one.” He clarified that on the mentioned “day one,” he would exercise presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.
Throughout his political career, Trump has made promises of “retribution” against political adversaries if he regains power. His targets include President Joe Biden, prosecutors who have charged him with numerous crimes, the Department of Justice, and the federal bureaucracy. These statements, made in campaign speeches and TV appearances, have raised concerns about the potential misuse of power.
Appearing at a Fox News event in Davenport, Iowa, Trump faced a friendly audience in the state where the Republican nominating contest kicks off on January 15. Following the town hall, Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, issued a statement, emphasizing that “Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected, and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.”
Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election, coupled with false claims of election fraud, fueled the deadly insurrection by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. These election lies continue to be a focal point of his current White House campaign.
As rivals for the Republican nomination, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, prepare for a televised debate, Trump has opted to skip the event, as he has done for the three previous Republican debates. The concerns over a potential Trump dictatorship persist, with critics, including former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, considering it a “very real threat” if he secures re-election.
