No dictatorship plans except 'on day one,' says Trump

NEW DELHI: Former President of US, Donald Trump said on Tuesday that except "on day one," he will not be a dictator if elected again as president.Both Democrats and some Republicans have expressed concerns and warned that America is in danger of becoming an autocracy if Trump wins the 2024 election.During a televised town hall event in Iowa, Trump had to be asked twice to deny that he would misuse his power to retaliate against political opponents if re-elected to the White House."No. No. Other than day one," Trump said when asked to deny he would become a "dictator" if he wins the November election.On the "day one" Trump referred to, he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling. Trump, seeking a second term in the White House, often vows "retribution" against political opponents if he regains power.These statements were made during a Fox News event in Davenport, Iowa, where Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, addressed a friendly audience ahead of the state's nominating contest on January 15.Biden has cautioned that Trump poses a threat to democracy and that a second term for Trump could lead to a risky era of American autocracy."Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he's re-elected, and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him," Biden's campaign manager said.Former US Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican known for openly criticizing Trump and co-chairing the congressional investigation into the Capitol attack, reportedly said that a Trump dictatorship is a "very real threat" if he secures re-election.