According to his own words, former US President Donald Trump will not become a dictator if he is re-elected – except on the first day of his term in office. “No. No. “Apart from the first day,” Trump said at a Fox News event in Davenport on Tuesday when asked whether he would become a “dictator” if he won the election in November. He would use his presidential powers on “day one” to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.
During the televised event, Trump had to be asked twice to deny that he would abuse his power to avenge political opponents if he returned to the White House. Trump is seeking a second term as US president and could run again against Democratic President Joe Biden.
He has frequently threatened his political opponents with “retaliation” if he comes back to power.
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Immediately after the event, Biden’s campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said: “Donald Trump told us exactly what he will do if he is re-elected, and Tonight he said he would be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.”
Biden has repeatedly warned that Trump is a threat to democracy and that a second Trump term could usher in an unprecedented and dangerous era of American autocracy.
Warnings are also coming from the Republican side: Former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, who has openly criticized Trump and led the investigation into the Capitol attack, said this week A Trump dictatorship is a “very real threat” if he wins re-election.
There are several legal proceedings underway against Trump
Several trials in which Trump is accused will begin in the 2024 election year. He is overall with four charges in criminal proceedings confronted – two of them in connection with his attempts to subsequently reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
The charges and even a possible prison sentence do not prevent Trump from running for the highest office in the state and it is also unclear when the verdicts will be handed down. However, the Republican is likely to be pressed for time because of the court dates and a lot of dust could be raised.
There are also civil lawsuits, which could cost Trump a lot of money and reputation. (Reuters/dpa)