Donald Trump escalated his claims that political rivals and critics should face criminal penalties, labeling opposition as “totally illegal” in a speech Friday.
He singled out Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a “criminal” and suggested legal action against critical media and judges. Trump’s comments mark a sharp increase in his authoritarian rhetoric as the 2024 election approaches.
Experts warn that such remarks mirror tactics used by autocratic leaders to suppress dissent. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat noted Trump’s rhetoric aligns with authoritarian strategies of criminalizing opposition to consolidate power.
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