Overview

• During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, President Donald Trump said some people would prefer a dictator if it stops crime, then asserted he is not a dictator.
• The statement followed similar remarks Monday at a press conference where he addressed potential domestic troop deployments.
• Trump criticized Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and said governors should request that he send troops.
• Armed National Guard patrols are underway in Washington, and Religion Dispatches reported a specialized Guard unit and expedited civilian application processing tied to D.C. operations.
• HuffPost noted that many social media users and commentators interpreted the repeated remarks as a trial balloon for authoritarian intent.