This comment, initially made during a town hall with Fox News' Sean Hannity, has sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Trump's address at the GOP event was filled with his signature campaign rhetoric and humor. He revisited the controversy surrounding his dictator comment, stating, "[Peter] Baker today in the New York Times said that I want to be a dictator. I didn’t say that. I said I want to be a dictator for one day. You know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, and I want to drill, drill, drill."
The former president also addressed what he termed as the Democrats' "newest hoax" - labeling him as a threat to democracy. His comments were met with applause from the crowd, which included prominent MAGA figures such as Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Lauren Boebert (R-Col.).
WATCH: NICOLE WALLACE AND THE END OF DEMOCRACY
Trump's dictator comment has been met with fierce criticism, with detractors citing the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots, Trump’s 2020 election denials, and his admiration for international dictators as evidence of his authoritarian aspirations. President Biden humorously responded to Trump's comment at a Los Angeles fundraiser, stating, "Thank God, only one day."
YIKES! IS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE LOSING HER 'GRIP' IN POWER STRUGGLE?
December 11, 2023
Trump's ally, Steve Bannon, expressed his dissatisfaction with Hannity's line of questioning, stating, "Even to ask that question shows you’re an idiot. And we don’t have time for idiots, bro. This is a war, and we don’t have time for sunshine patriots and this nonsense."
WATCH: FETTERMAN CONFRONTED BY A PRO-HAMAS ACTIVIST
In his speech, Trump also addressed criticism he has received for praising Chinese leader Xi Jinping, stating, "He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist. They want me to say he’s just of average intelligence. I can’t say bad things." He also complimented Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
TESLA IN TURMOIL: MUSK OUSTS TOP EXECS AND PREPARES FOR MASSIVE LAYOFFS, WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, Trump maintained his position as a defender of democracy, dismissing the criticism as "misinformation" and a "hoax." He argued that the "real threat" is President Biden, stating, "The radical left Democrats, their fake news allies have unveiled their newest hoax that Donald J. And the Republican Party are a threat to democracy. But no, I’m not a threat. I will save democracy. The threat is Crooked Joe Biden."
PROFESSIONAL "PROTEST CONSULTANT" CAUGHT ON VIDEO STIRRING UP CHAOS AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Trump, who is currently facing 91 criminal counts, is the 2024 GOP frontrunner for the party's nomination. He took the opportunity to criticize rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, stating, "He looks like a bobble head doll. I don’t like him because I endorsed him and I got him elected." DeSantis' campaign has suggested that Trump's attacks stem from fear that the Florida governor could defeat him, a claim that Trump's campaign denies.
According to the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate, Trump leads the 2024 GOP primary nationally by a significant 47.6 percentage points. The first GOP contest is scheduled for January 15, 2024, in the Iowa caucuses.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
