Overview
- Speaking to CEOs at the World Economic Forum on Jan. 21, President Donald Trump said, “Sometimes you need a dictator,” after noting critics label him a dictator.
- He also said, “I’m a dictator,” then immediately added that this case was different and framed his approach as “95% common sense.”
- Video and a transcript of the remarks were published by official and media channels, including the White House and LiveNOW from FOX, enabling rapid verification and wide circulation.
- Opponents and commentators condemned the comment, casting it as alarming and consistent with previous statements viewed as hostile to democratic norms.
- The remark followed days of coverage of U.S.–Denmark–NATO talks over Greenland, with some reports noting a step back from tariff threats and force as discussions moved toward a cooperative framework.