Former President Donald Trump on Saturday doubled down on his “one-day dictator” remark, saying he takes border security and energy independence seriously.
“[Peter] Baker today at The New York Times. he said that I want to be a dictator,” Trump said during his keynote speech at the 111th annual gala of the New York Young Republicans Club. “I didn’t say that. I said I wanted to be a dictator for one day. Do you know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, right? And I want to drill, drill, drill.”
NEW: Crowds go wild as Donald Trump doubles down on his wish to become a “dictator for a day” so he can build a wall and drill for oil.
The New York Times wrote that I want to be a dictator. I didn’t say that. I said I wanted to be a dictator for one day.
“You know why I wanted to… pic.twitter.com/R2Rd8hayU4
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 10, 2023
Trump first made the comment during a Fox News town hall event with Sean Hannity, who asked the 45th presidentvol president if he promised to “never abuse his power as revenge against anyone.”
The former president promised that he would not act as a dictator except on the first day, when he wanted to “close the border” and “drill, drill, drill.”
Hannity: Just to be clear, you would never abuse your power as revenge against anyone, right?
Trump: Except on day one. From this moment on, I am no longer a dictator pic.twitter.com/jOFrA0MCDx
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) December 6, 2023
The comments sent shockwaves through the liberal media, which saw the remark as confirmation of Trump’s impending “authoritarian takeover” if elected.
Others, like Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, urged those upset by Trump’s comments to “find a sense of humor.”
Trump’s superpower is that he is the smartest leader of his generation.
Any adult male hyperventilating over this clip needs to find a sense of humor. I’m sure you can buy them on Amazon. Free two-day shipping. pic.twitter.com/MyJwgTLCDb
— JD Vance (@JDVance1) December 6, 2023
