Trump defended his federal police takeover in Washington by rejecting dictatorship claims but sparked outrage after suggesting “maybe we’d like a dictator” while vowing to expand the crackdown to other cities.
President Donald Trump on Monday rejected accusations of authoritarianism while defending his controversial federal police crackdown in Washington, D.C., and plans to extend the effort to other cities.
During a press conference at the Oval Office, Trump signed executive orders on crime and dismissed critics who accuse him of abusing power. “I don’t like a dictator. I’m not a dictator. I’m a man with great common sense and a smart person,” Trump said. He added, “A lot of people are saying ‘maybe we’d like a dictator,’” in reference to opponents who call his efforts unconstitutional.
Vice President JD Vance accused Democratic governors of opposing crime reduction. “It shows a real sickness in the head,” Vance said, arguing they care more about criticizing Trump than cleaning up their streets.
Trump specifically mentioned Chicago and Baltimore as possible next targets for federal crackdowns. His comments drew swift backlash. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Trump was “attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned on X that Trump’s proposal would be “the most flagrant violation of our Constitution of the 21st Century.”
The new executive orders address cashless bail, flag burning, and the creation of a specialized National Guard unit to enforce federal law in Washington. Trump previously invoked the Home Rule Act to take control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, despite Justice Department data showing violent crime in the capital hit a 30-year low last year.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FORBES