US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that many Americans “want a dictator” during a lengthy and impromptu press conference in the Oval Office focused on security issues and accusations against his opponents. Responding to accusations of authoritarian tendencies due to his immigration and security policies, Trump said, “Many say ‘maybe we want a dictator.’ I don’t like dictators. I’m not a dictator. I’m a man with a lot of common sense and intelligence.” He added that he sent the military and instead of congratulations, he was accused of assaulting the republic, referring to his decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington streets to assist law enforcement.

The 79-year-old Republican signed an executive order punishing anyone who burns the American flag with a one-year prison sentence without early release, despite a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that such acts are protected free speech under the Constitution.

Trump also mentioned his intention to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a name it held between 1789 and 1949, stating he would not need Congress approval for this change. He attacked political opponents, including Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker, whom he called “filthy” and suggested should “exercise more” referring to his weight. He also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who recently mocked him on social media, and described the Democratic Party’s potential presidential candidates as underperforming.

Trump called his predecessor Joe Biden “stupid” and indicated Chicago might be the next target for military law enforcement after Washington. He emphasized Washington D.C. would be “perfect” to host the next summer’s FIFA World Cup, showing the golden trophy brought by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

In another tangent, Trump addressed environmental problems caused by the invasive Asian carp fish in the Great Lakes region, describing it as a “very violent fish from China” that jumps on boats and is costly to control. He warned he would not act unless requested by Illinois Governor, whom he has threatened before by withholding federal aid to Democrat-led states.