To appreciate the scope of Donald Trump’s vision, and the degree to which it’s reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, it’s important to note the Republican’s praise for foreign dictators. Alas, this isn’t altogether new. Ahead of the 2016 elections, the then-GOP candidate was on record praising Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin, and even China’s handling of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Ahead of the 2024 elections, Trump doing it again.
” Trump added, in reference to the North Korean dictator, “Very smart guy, very strong guy. He’s the absolute leader of that country.” The rhetoric adds to a lengthy record. In 2018, for example, the then-American president repeatedly praised Kim, calling the dictator “open,” “honorable,” and “a pretty smart cookie.” Asked by ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos whether he trusts Kim, Trump replied, “I do trust him, yeah.