President Trump said over the weekend his work to “save” the country gives him legal leeway.
“He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” Trump posted Saturday to Truth Social and X.
The phrase is attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who declared himself French emperor in the early 1800s.
Trump’s post drew quick criticism from Democrats, who argued it was another instance of the president likening his executive authority to authoritarianism.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) reposted Trump’s comment and said it was “spoken like a true dictator.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) also expressed concern.
“Donald Trump seems to believe he can do whatever he wishes in the name of ‘saving the country,’” Torres said online. “In our constitutional republic, the means matter more than the ends. The US Constitutions trumps the policy preferences of President Trump.”
The post comes just days after the Trump administration tangled with the court system over its extensive changes.
Federal judges have blocked some of Trump’s sweeping executive actions, including freezing federal grants and loans, deconstructing the U.S. International Agency for Development (USAID) and birthright citizenship.
Trump and his allies have pushed back on the judges’ temporary holds, arguing they should respect the power of the executive branch.
Still, Republican lawmakers are urging Trump to respect the rulings, worried that if he disregards them, it will send the country into a constitutional crisis.
His post Saturday was not the first time he’s expressed similar views. In late 2023, Trump said he would be a dictator in office only on the first day. He’s also increased communication and exchanged pleasantries with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
