US President Donald Trump on Monday defended his decision to deploy National Guard troops in Washington, DC, and his move to prosecute those who burn the American flag, saying that “a lot of people like a dictator”.
‘Americans like a dictator’
“They say: ‘We don’t need him. Freedom, freedom, he’s a dictator,” before adding, “A lot of people are saying maybe we like a dictator,” Trump told reporters as per AFP.
He went on to say, “I don’t like a dictator. I’m not a dictator. I’m a man with great common sense and a smart person.”
This comes as Trump, before returning to the White House, said that he would act as a “dictator on day one”. Additionally, a recent nonpartisan survey even labelled him a “dangerous dictator,” warning that his powers should be limited before he “destroys American democracy”.
Why is Trump deploying the National Guard?
His order instructs officials to “deputise the members” to “enforce Federal law”. Some 2,000 National Guard personnel, some armed, have already been mobilised. He also floated the idea of deploying the military in Chicago and Baltimore. In June, he didn’t listen to the mayor and governor and sent the National Guard to Los Angeles.
Although Trump tied his actions to fighting crime in DC, city police data shows crime has actually declined in recent years. Critics say the deployments are less about law and order and more about consolidating power.
‘It’s what dictators do’: Democrats amid DC crackdown
Democrats have been voicing concerns against the deployment of military to domestic cities, saying its authoritarian.
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass) said on X that Trump is trying to “militarise” cities to distract from his sinking poll numbers. “It’s what dictators do. No one should be silent in the face of this administration’s authoritarian actions.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom thinks that this is just the start of an “authoritarian takeover of America”.
“Trump’s militarisation of Los Angeles seems to have been just the start of an authoritarian takeover of American cities,” he said on X.
Trump has also directed the United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to ensure every state’s Guard personnel are ready to assist law enforcement in “quelling civil disturbances” and “ensuring the public safety”.
He also suggested renaming the Pentagon. “World War Two, it was called the Department of War,” AFP quoted Trump as saying. “Between us, I think we’re going to change the name,” he added.
However, Trump’s order could face legal challenges. Under the Posse Comitatus Act, federal troops are generally barred from civilian law enforcement unless authorised by Congress or the Constitution.
Trump’s crackdown on burning the US flag
Trump’s second executive order, which prosecutes people for burning the US flag, has also been facing criticism. This is because it is protected under the First Amendment, according to a landmark Supreme Court ruling cited by AFP.
“If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail — no early exits, no nothing,” Trump said.
Many see this as a move that is unconstitutional and another sign of Trump’s authoritarian drift.