Donald Trump sparks concern after alarming comments about US 'dictatorship'
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, News
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, News
Donald Trump has addressed criticism of his actions as being those of a 'dictator'; however, his follow-up comments have left some people concerned.
The controversial comments in question were made during an Oval Office meeting on Monday (25 Aug), which saw him sign a series of new executive orders, including the elimination of cashless loans and the criminalisation of flag burning.
During the conference, the President was asked about the Republican administration's military takeover of Washington, D.C., after which he suggested extending the authoritarian plan to include other cities, including Chicago.
For those in need of a reminder, earlier this month, 800 National Guard members deployed to the capital after Trump ordered federal forces to take over the city’s police department, citing a 'crime emergency'.
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At the time, the 79-year-old also went on to name the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief - a federal agent - as the new emergency head of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This gave said government official the powers of a police chief.
Addressing plans of expansion yesterday, Trump began: "As you know, Chicago is a killing field right now, and they don’t acknowledge it."
He then went on to reference the protests that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and other Democrats have fronted against Trump sending in the troops, adding: "They say, 'We don’t need him! Freedom! Freedom! He’s a dictator! He’s a dictator!'
"A lot of people are saying maybe we’d like a dictator."
He then insisted that 'I’m not a dictator', before adding: "I’m a man with common sense and a smart person."
As we say, it's hardly a surprise that the politician's remarks haven't gone down too well with several social media users.
"So, are Americans revolted enough yet? Or what is going to take?" one demanded on Instagram, while another said: "USA! What the F is happening? You’re the land of the free, the country of freedom and opportunity!
"Don’t bend for that maniac! The world is watching and can’t understand why he’s still your president?!"
"No...we don't want or need a Dictator!" a third went on.
According to Rolling Stone, this is far from the first time that Trump has implicitly hinted at a preference for an authoritarian style of rule.
The publication's claim cites his administration's lack of recognition for Congress as a coequal branch of government, which comes hand-in-hand with his sole signing of several policies that directly contradict the rulings of the US Constitution.
Just last week, he attempted to alter the American federal election process by proposing the axing of mail-in ballots - a move which understandably saw him severely condemned by critics.