Trump: I will not be a dictator if I become president again, except for the first day

(Patria) - Donald Trump said he would not become a dictator if he becomes US president again, except for "the first day," following warnings from Democrats and some Republicans that America is in danger of becoming an autocracy if he wins the 2024 elections, Reuters reported.

Republican presidential candidate Trump was twice asked during a town hall event in Iowa to deny that he would abuse power to take revenge on political opponents if re-elected to the White House.

"No. No. Except for the first day," Trump said when asked to deny he would become a "dictator" if he wins the November election. Trump said for the "first day" he mentioned, he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.

Trump, who is seeking a second term in a likely rematch with President Joe Biden, has often promised "retribution" against political opponents if he regains power. Biden, prosecutors who have charged him with dozens of offenses, the Department of Justice, and the federal bureaucracy have been targeted, he said in campaign speeches and TV appearances this year.