Trump dodges questions about retaliation and breaking the law at City Hall
During a town hall on “Fox News” on Tuesday night, Sean Hannity twice asked former President Donald J. Trump to say categorically that he would not abuse presidential power or retaliate against his political opponents if he were elected next year.
Both times, Trump refused to issue an outright denial.
First, Mr. Hannity, the moderator, asked Mr. Trump to respond to concerns raised in recent reporting detailing his violent rhetoric on the campaign trail and his promise to use the Justice Department against his political enemies .
“Do you have any plans to abuse power if you are re-elected president?” Mr. Hannity asked. “To break the law? To use the government to go after people?”
Mr. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, deviated. “You mean like they use now?” he replied, an allusion to his claims that President Biden has weaponized the Justice Department against him. He then turned to his frequent complaint during the campaign that he has been indicted more times than the gangster Al Capone.
But Mr. Hannity, a longtime Trump ally, was apparently dissatisfied, and five minutes later he raised the issue again. “You promise America tonight that you would never abuse this power in retaliation against anyone?” he said.
“Except Day 1,” Trump said lightly. There was the slightest silence. “Except…” Mr. Hannity replied, sounding a little nervous.
“Look,” Mr. Trump joked to the crowd watching him in Davenport, Iowa. “He’s going crazy.”
And even as Mr. Hannity tried to make clear that Mr. Trump had no intention of abusing his office, Mr. Trump expressed no apparent distaste for the idea of authoritarian power.
“This guy says, ‘You’re not going to be a dictator, are you?’” Mr. Trump said, referring to Mr. Hannity. “I said, ‘No, no, no – except on Day 1.’ We close the border. And we drill, drill, drill. After that I will no longer be a dictator.”
Both exchanges underscored a growing challenge for some in the Trump team, who are privately aware that his comments are of increasing importance to voters ahead of next year’s general election.
The Biden campaign has sought to capitalize on recent reporting of plans by Mr Trump and his allies that would reshape the US presidency, vastly expand presidential power and upend central elements of US government and the rule of law.
Mr. Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chávez Rodríguez, said in a statement that Mr. Trump “has told us exactly what he will do if re-elected, and tonight he said he will be a dictator on Day 1.” Americans should believe him.”
Trump’s comments marked a clear break from an interview in which he was largely on friendly territory. He and Mr. Hannity have a long relationship, and both fondly recalled conversations they had about Mr. Trump’s political career.
Mr. Hannity also did not ask Mr. Trump about his rivals in the Republican primaries, which will have a debate on Wednesday that Mr. Trump is skipping to attend a fundraiser in Florida.
Still, Mr. Trump briefly mentioned Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, criticizing her for taking donations from Democrats, and criticized Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida for the congressional votes he took and who seemed supportive. changing social security advantages.
Jonathan Swan reporting contributed.