US President Donald Trump defended his recent decisions on Monday, saying that many Americans want tough leadership. He spoke about deploying the National Guard in Washington, DC, and pushing for jail terms for people who burn the US flag.
“They say, ‘We don’t need him. Freedom, freedom, he’s a dictator,” Trump told reporters, according to AFP. He added, “A lot of people are saying maybe we like a dictator. I don’t like a dictator. I’m not a dictator. I’m a man with great common sense and a smart person.”
His remarks come after his earlier claim that he would act as a “dictator on day one” if re-elected.
Why Trump is Sending National Guard Troops
Trump’s order tells officials to “deputise the members” of the National Guard to “enforce Federal law”. About 2,000 Guard personnel, some armed, have already been deployed in DC.
Trump: “A lot of people are saying maybe we’d like a dictator.” pic.twitter.com/2EpLkOaPZl
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 25, 2025
He also hinted at sending the military to other cities like Chicago and Baltimore. Earlier this year, he sent Guard troops to Los Angeles, ignoring the requests of the city’s mayor and California’s governor.
Although Trump linked the move to rising crime, city police data show crime in DC has gone down in recent years. Critics argue that these actions are less about law and order and more about consolidating power.
Democrats Call It ‘Authoritarian’
Democrats have criticised Trump’s use of the military in cities. They say it is an authoritarian move aimed at boosting his political standing.
Senator Ed Markey said Trump is trying to “militarise” cities to distract from low poll numbers. “It’s what dictators do. No one should be silent in the face of this administration’s authoritarian actions,” he posted on X.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom warned, “Trump’s militarisation of Los Angeles seems to have been just the start of an authoritarian takeover of American cities.”
Legal Hurdles Ahead
Trump has asked Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure that National Guard personnel from all states are ready to act in case of “civil disturbances”. He even suggested renaming the Pentagon back to the “Department of War,” a term last used in World War II.
However, legal experts say Trump’s order could face challenges. The Posse Comitatus Act prevents federal troops from carrying out civilian law enforcement unless Congress or the Constitution approves it.
Trump’s Crackdown on Flag Burning
Trump’s second executive order targets people who burn the American flag. “If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail — no early exits, no nothing,” he said.
But critics say this move is unconstitutional. The US Supreme Court has ruled that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment as free speech. Many see Trump’s order as another sign of his authoritarian drift.
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