U.S. President Donald Trump stated that many Americans desire a dictator, while denying accusations of authoritarian tendencies during a press conference at the White House. He focused on security issues and accusations exchanged with his opponents. Responding to claims of authoritarianism, Trump said, “Many say: we might 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 also announced a one-year prison sentence without early release for anyone who burns the American flag, despite a 1989 Supreme Court ruling protecting flag burning as free speech. Trump intends to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a title it held from 1789 to 1949, stating he does not need congressional approval for this change. He criticized his political opponents, especially potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, calling Illinois Governor J.B.

Pritzker “filthy” and suggesting he exercise more due to his weight. He also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who recently mocked him on social media. Trump described the Democratic Party’s potential candidates as underperforming and called his predecessor Joe Biden “stupid.”