Donald Trump Says 'Maybe' People Like Dictators

8.25.25
Facing criticism over his hardline actions in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump pushed back, saying, "A lot of people are saying, 'Maybe we like a dictator.'" "I'm not a dictator. I'm a man with great common sense," he insisted immediately after. Trump's comments came amid a push by his administration to crack down on crime in the nation's capital, including the use of the National Guard. Critics have warned that the efforts reflect those seen in countries under dictatorships. Also Monday, Trump signed an executive order directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to create specialized National Guard units in Washington, D.C. and nationwide trained to handle "public order issues." Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said on X and in a press release: "The State of Illinois at this time has received no requests or outreach from the federal government asking if we need assistance, and we have made no requests for federal intervention. "Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he's causing families. We'll continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect Illinoisans."

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