During the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump didn’t exactly make an effort to obscure his authoritarian instincts. He was, after all, the first presidential hopeful in American history to speak publicly about “terminating” parts of the Constitution that stand in the way of his ambitions and creating a temporary American “dictatorship.”
Voters either didn’t know, didn’t care or didn’t believe the Republican’s rhetoric, and Trump won a second term anyway, at which point he continued to add to this vision. Just one month into his second term, for example, the president described himself as a “king,” which came just four days after he similarly declared, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”
But every once in a while, Trump has a day — a single, 24-hour period — in which his authoritarian vision comes into sharp relief.
Sunday, April 13, in the evening: In response to CBS News’ “60 Minutes” airing a couple of segments that he didn’t like, the president accused the news program of “fraud,” airing “defamatory” segments, and being a “Political Operative” that has engaged in “unlawful and illegal behavior.” He added that CBS “should lose” its broadcast license and “pay a big price,” while calling on the FCC to “impose the maximum fines and punishment” because the network displeased him.
Sunday, April 13, in the evening: Asked about Russia’s latest deadly attack in Ukraine, Trump made excuses for the Putin regime, saying, “They made a mistake.”
Monday, April 14, midday: Trump claimed his administration lacks the authority to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the president improperly sent to a Salvadoran prison, despite court orders instructing the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return.
Monday, April 14, midday: Trump’s White House blocked Associated Press journalists from attending a presidential event, despite a court ruling instructing the president and his team to restore the AP’s access.
Monday, April 14, midday: Trump said he’s interested in sending American citizens to a Salvadoran prison, despite U.S. laws that prohibit such radicalism.








