Former President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to make an appearance tomorrow (July 31) at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual conference in Chicago, caused outrage and shock when he gave a speech to a Christian audience Friday.
During the talk, hosted by conservative nonprofit Turning Point Action, Trump seemingly suggested that he would put an end to elections if he secures the White House for a second time in November.
He wrapped up his talk at the Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Fla., by stating, “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore…you got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote,” Trump said.
Many folks, including journalist Don Lemon, asserted how dangerous a second Trump term would be after these remarks — mostly because he seemingly plans on destroying democracy as we know it in favor of a dictatorship.
On X, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) shared the video of Trump’s speech and stated, “This year democracy is on the ballot, and if we are to save it, we must vote against authoritarianism. Here Trump helpfully reminds us that the alternative is never having the chance to vote again.”
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) also commented about Trump’s words: “The only way ‘you won’t have to vote anymore’ is if Donald Trump becomes a dictator.” Of course, The Trump campaign denied these claims and insisted that Trump was referencing unity.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the campaign, said that Trump “was talking about uniting this country and bringing prosperity to every American, as opposed to the divisive political environment that has sowed so much division and even resulted in an assassination attempt.”