Kathrine Frich
His comments come as critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies.
His comments come as critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies.
Trump: “Many Americans Would Like a Dictator”
At a press conference in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that many Americans “would like to have a dictator.”
He quickly added, however, that he does not see himself as one.
“I’m not a dictator. I’m a very common-sense, intelligent man,” he insisted.
Renaming the Pentagon: From Defense to “War Department”
During his 80-minute briefing, Trump floated the idea of renaming the Department of Defense to the “Department of War.”
The remark echoed his frequent criticism of U.S. military leadership and marked a symbolic shift in how he views the country’s armed forces.
Flag Burning to Be Punished With Prison
The president also signed an executive order aimed at punishing anyone who burns the American flag.
Under his directive, violators could face one year in prison without parole.
This directly challenges a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that protects flag burning as free speech under the Constitution.
Threats to Deploy the Army in Chicago
Trump suggested Chicago could be next in line for federal military intervention.
After sending the National Guard into Washington, D.C., he said the Illinois city might see a similar operation.
“You send in the army, and instead of congratulating you, they accuse you of storming the republic,” Trump said.
Attacks on Democratic Rivals
The president launched personal attacks on Democratic governors frequently floated as potential 2028 contenders.
He called Illinois Governor JB Pritzker “lazy” and mocked his weight, while also targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom and Maryland’s Wes Moore.
He dismissed the entire Democratic field as “doing a bad job.”
Renewed Insults Toward Biden
Trump once again lashed out at his predecessor, Joe Biden, labeling him “an idiot.”
The insult came as part of a broader tirade against Democrats, whom he accused of failing both at state and federal levels.
Showing Off the World Cup Trophy
Amid political attacks, Trump also shifted focus to the upcoming Soccer World Cup.
He displayed the gold trophy inside the Oval Office, delivered by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“It’s a solid gold trophy. I know how to make it look good,” Trump joked, emphasizing his love for opulence.
Warning About “Violent” Chinese Carp
In a surprising digression, Trump discussed invasive Asian carp threatening the Great Lakes.
Calling them a “pretty violent fish from China,” he claimed the species is disrupting ecosystems and could cost billions to control.
However, he said Illinois would not receive federal help unless its governor requested it.
