Share this @internewscast.com

Former President Donald Trump said at a Fox News town hall Tuesday that he would not be a dictator “except for Day One” if he is elected president next year.

Trump’s comments at the taped event in Iowa came in response to host Sean Hannity’s asking him whether he would abuse the power of the office to seek revenge.

“You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?” Hannity said.

“Except for Day One,” Trump responded, repeating the phrase.

Asked for clarification, Trump said, “I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill.”

Moments later, Trump doubled down on his comments.

“I love this guy,” Trump said, referring to Hannity. “He says, ‘You’re not going to be a dictator, are you?’ I said: ‘No, no, no. Other than Day One.’ We’re closing the border, and we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator.”

The Biden campaign quickly seized on the remarks, posting a clip of the exchange to X. After the town hall concluded, Biden campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez blasted Trump in a statement.

“Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s reelected and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one,” she said. “Americans should believe him.”

Trump’s comments came after he did not directly answer an earlier question from Hannity about whether he had plans to “abuse power, to break the law, to use the government to go after people.”

“You mean like they’re using right now?” Trump replied, apparently referring to Democrats.

The town hall — at times raucous amid what appeared to be a firmly pro-Trump audience — took place in Davenport a day before the fourth Republican debate, which Trump said he will not participate in. He has skipped the previous three.

Trump maintains a wide lead in the polls over his Republican opponents. An NBC News poll last month found that 58% of Republican voters considered Trump to be their first choice in the GOP primaries. In contrast, only 18% of voters considered Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to be their top choice.

During the town hall, Trump said his campaign would “be blitzing” Iowa in the weeks before the first-in-the-nation caucuses on Jan. 15.

“We’re not taking any chances,” he said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Woman with 'urgent message' for President Trump arrested near Mar-a-Lago security checkpoint

Woman Arrested Near Mar-a-Lago Security for Trying to Deliver Message to President Trump

A woman was taken into custody after she approached Mar-a-Lago, claiming she…
New interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King speaks in first 2 weeks on the job on $736 million CPS budget shortfall

Chicago Public Schools’ New Interim CEO Dr. Macquline King Addresses $736 Million Budget Deficit in Her First Two Weeks

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dr. Macquline King, with a history as a former…
Las Vegas security guard Kegia Mitchell sentenced for killing customer Thomas Martin over COVID-19 protocols

Las Vegas Security Officer Kegia Mitchell Sentenced for Fatal Incident Involving COVID-19 Protocols

A security guard from Las Vegas received a prison sentence ranging from…
The NEA's antisemitic ADL split: Letters

The NEA and ADL Division: Examining the Antisemitic Allegations

The Issue: The National Education Association cuts ties with the Anti-Defamation League.…
Aaron Judge’s game-ending sac fly leads Yankees to stunning comeback win over Mariners

Aaron Judge’s Sacrifice Fly Seals Yankees’ Thrilling Comeback Victory Against Mariners

The Yankees avoided being on the wrong side of history and then…
Is Outlook down? Thousands of users report issues accessing their email

Is Outlook Unavailable? Numerous Users Experiencing Email Access Problems

NEW YORK — Thousands of Microsoft Outlook users experienced issues with the…
New Hampshire judge to pause Trump's birthright citizenship order

New Hampshire Judge Halts Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Directive

A federal judge in New Hampshire announced on Thursday that he will…
Former public school teacher, 33, charged after 'prolonged pattern of abuse' with teen boy

Ex-public school teacher, 33, faces charges for ‘extended abuse’ involving teenage boy

A former South Carolina teacher was charged with having a prolonged inappropriate…
UN warns of millions of AIDS deaths after US funding cuts

UN Alerts of Potential Millions of AIDS Deaths Following US Funding Reductions

The U.S. had committed $4 billion for the worldwide HIV initiative aimed…
Florida tourist hotspot nearly becomes sanctuary city before leaders reverse ICE policy

Florida Tourist Destination Almost Becomes a Sanctuary City Before Officials Change Course on ICE Policy

Key West city officials have decided to renew their local law enforcement’s…
Texas flood: Search for missing flood victims is personal for local volunteers in Hunt

Search for Missing Flood Victims in Texas Becomes Personal for Hunt Volunteers

HUNT, Texas (KTRK) — Crews from various regions are aligning along the…
Photo of Sunshine Stewart.

Paddleboarder, 48, discovered dead after disappearing during camp trip, prompting police search for ‘killer’

A PADDLEBOARDER mysteriously disappeared during a camping trip and has been discovered…