Trump's striking statement in Davos: Sometimes you need a dictator.

Trump's striking statement in Davos: Sometimes you need a dictator.

22.01.2026 00:04

At the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump, who met with CEOs, responded to criticisms of him as a dictator by saying, "Sometimes you need a dictator." This response quickly went viral on social media.

During the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, Donald Trump, who met with CEOs, responded to the criticisms labeling him a "dictator" with an interesting remark. Trump stated, "Sometimes you need a dictator."

OUTBURST ON "DICTATORSHIP" AT THE MEETING WITH CEOs

According to a report by Newsweek, at the CEO Reception and Dinner organized within the framework of the World Economic Forum (WEF), U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the leaders of the business world and reflected on the echoes of his speech made earlier in the day. Stating that his speech received very good reviews, Trump touched upon the criticisms against him, saying, "They usually say 'He's a terrible dictator type.' Yes, I am a dictator. But sometimes you need a dictator."

"I AM A HIGHLY SENSIBLE PERSON"

These statements from Trump are not the first. Last August, Trump, who was criticized for his harsh policies in Washington DC, had made a statement saying, "Many people say 'Maybe we like a dictator.'" However, immediately after these words, Trump defended himself by saying, "I am not a dictator, I am a highly sensible person."

IT HAD ALSO BEEN ON THE AGENDA DURING MAMDANI'S VISIT

Trump had previously responded calmly to the labels of "despot" and "fascist" directed at him. In November 2025, during a meeting at the White House with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, when a reporter asked Mamdani, "You referred to Trump as a despot," Trump interjected, saying, "Worse things have been said about me than a despot. So it's not that insulting," and smiled to brush off the situation.

During the meeting, while Mamdani was trying to explain the political reasons for describing Trump as "fascist," Trump's demeanor again drew attention. Lightly tapping his rival's arm, Trump conveyed the message that he was accustomed to such labels by saying, "No problem, you can say it, it's okay."

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