Internet calls Trump 'traitor' as he claims he'll be President for '4 years and beyond'

INDIANOLA, IOWA: On January 14, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed a gathering in Indianola, Iowa, where he stated his intention to remain in Office for a duration beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.

A short video clip featuring this statement circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on the same day, sparking controversy and debate.

It is important to note that the U.S. Constitution explicitly limits the number of presidential terms to two, each lasting four years.

Any attempt to exceed this limit would be a violation of the Constitution and could lead to legal consequences.

What did Trump say during his campaign speech ?

A day before the commencement of the Iowa caucuses, the 77-year-old GOP presidential frontrunner attended an in-person caucus rally in Indianola and revealed some of his intentions upon retaking his Oval Office he rightfully lost to the incumbent, Joe Biden.

Assuming that things don’t go horribly against either of them, the two stalwarts of either party will see each other going head-to-head again for the upcoming November general elections.

“The history of Iowa was very important that it stayed here. But nobody had to call me because I made the commitment. And we kept you first in the nation,” Trump said on Sunday, adding. “As long as I have anything to say about it and that we have a good chance of saying for four years, we'll have a lot to say about it. Four years and beyond.”

Many social media handles circulated the clip misconstruing Trump’s address by insinuating that the former President plans on serving as the POTUS for more than two terms, which is deemed illegal in the United States.

But a fact-checking website Snopes confirmed that Donald Trump was actually talking about the Hawkeye state's status as the first U.S. state to hold caucuses in presidential elections, a process that started in the 1970s.

The former President claimed that he and his supporters will push to keep it that way for "four years and beyond."

However, Trump’s association with dictatorial tendencies and contentious leadership tactics has been previously reported and it is no secret how he dabbles with extremist rhetoric in his campaign rallies.

Per a report by OK Magazine, Trump made a tongue-in-cheek remark while speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity in December last year, when he pressed him on his seemingly authoritarian style of leadership.

Hannity asked Trump at the time, “Under no circumstances, you are promising America tonight, you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?”

The former President replied that he would be a "dictator" only on "day one" of being in the White House if he wins the 2024 US general election.

“I want to close the border and I want to drill, drill, drill,” he further revealed his intentions upon returning to power.

Hannity interjected, "That's not retribution."

Trump reassured the Fox News veteran by saying, “We love this guy. He says, ‘You’re not gonna be a dictator, are you?’ I said, ‘No, no, no, other than day one.’ We’re closing the border and we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator, ok?”

Internet shreds Trump upon suspicion that he’s admitting abuse of power upon re-election

People on X launched a scathing attack on the former US President after a clip went viral on the platform where the 77-year-old can be heard saying “Four years and beyond.”

One X user remarked: "He's a traitor to our constitution."

Another user said: "Yeah, yeah. He has been saying that for years. Tell him to look at what happened last time. #smh"

Another user wrote: "Saying the quiet park out super duper LOUD"

One user claimed: "He will not be selected for any term."

Another X user remarked: "If Trump gets re-elected, he'll never willingly leave. We've gotta get out the vote for Biden like our country depends on it, because it does."

Finally, this user tweeted: "Yes his policies will last a long time"

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.