Trump's 'I'm not a dictator' claim sparks concerns of authoritarianism

Leading figures in US politics, including Liz Cheney, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump himself, are warning of the potential for an authoritarian takeover if Trump returns to power. Cheney, an anti-Trump Republican, stated that the United States is "sleepwalking into dictatorship." Trump has openly talked about using the power of the state to exact "retribution" and safeguard his grip on power. His aides and allies have also outlined plans to go after Trump's enemies, including the media. Critics argue that Trump's political allies in Congress and his firm grip on the Republican party pose a threat to US democracy. In polling for a hypothetical 2024 general election, Biden and Trump remain neck-and-neck.