'Wannabe dictator': Internet mocks Donald Trump for showering praises on Xi Jinping by calling him 'brilliant'

During a speech in Iowa, Donald Trump reiterated his admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping by praising his control over 1.4 billion people
Former President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as 'brilliant' and 'smart'(Getty Images)
Former President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as 'brilliant' and 'smart'(Getty Images)

NEWTON, IOWA: Former President Donald Trump doubled down on his obsession with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him a "brilliant man."

Addressing the Commit to Caucus Rally in Newton, Iowa, on Saturday, January 6 the Republican presidential frontrunner recounted when somebody asked him if he thought that the Chinese President was a brilliant man.



 

Stating, "He [Xi Jinping] controls 1.4 billion people ruthlessly. Ruthlessly. No games," Trump added, "He is a brilliant man."

"He runs 1.4 billion people with an iron fist. It's crazy."



 

Trump was speaking about his interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in April when he praised Xi.

He returned to the Hawkeye state ten days before the caucuses scheduled on January 15, the first significant electoral test for the GOP and Democratic presidential candidates.

Xi Jinping is 'all business'

Trump, who previously stated he wanted to be a dictator for a day if elected, continued showering praises on the Chinese President. Referring to his meeting with Xi, the White House hopeful said, "President Xi is very smart, and he's all business."

BEIJING, CHINA - NOVEMBER 9:  Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a
Donald Trump's Iowa speech proved his admiration towards Chinese President Xi Jinping (Getty Images)

Despite the widespread backlash against his fondness towards authoritarian rulers like German dictator Adolf Hitler and his recurring rhetorics against undocumented immigrants in America, Trump refrained from avoiding such references from his campaign speeches.

Sharing his admiration for the Chinese leader's approach, the former President added, "This guy is serious, and there is nobody smarter."

"They are smart, they are cunning. They love their country. But different forms of love. But they are tough and they are smart."



 

The presidential hopeful's multiple speeches in Iowa coincided with the third anniversary of the January 6 Capitol attack. On the anniversary eve, he reiterated his denial of his involvement in the insurrection, accusing the FBI and Antifa of "leading the charge."

Internet reacts

Netizens reacting to Trump's praises to the Chinese President pointed out that the possibility of the former President becoming a dictator if elected in 2024 is highly likely.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: U.S. President Donald Trump shushes journalists before signing the Paychec
Internet labeled Donald Trump a 'narcissist' for his desire to be a dictator (Getty Images)

One user wrote, "He won’t give up being a dictator - he’s a power mad narcissist."



 

Another user remarked, "He's pathetic and disgusting. A wannabe and inept dictator."



 

"Ruthlessly and with iron fist! These are the comments he reiterates," a third user noted. Another user added, "Trump is a sick narcissist, wannabe dictator."



 



 

One reaction read, "Of course he is dictator wannabe, just a wannabe, but he is simply too stupid."



 

"Exactly what he aspires to be," remarked another.



 

Another user wrote, "This incident brings the question of Trump's potential authoritarian tendencies back into focus."



 

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The two Sullivan row deepened after an investigative report revealed that the Dem candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign plotted to recruit another candidate with a similar name to GOP’s Sullivan to dilute GOP votes
2026-11-01T20:52:39.000Z
Despite endorsing Mike Rogers, Haley Stevens maintained that she remained a 'proud Democrat' who stood by the values she had always supported
2026-11-01T20:09:05.000Z
Shapiro, who is also a potential 2028 presidential contender, said he expected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to make efforts to delay the seating of new members if Republicans lost their majority
2026-11-01T18:44:40.000Z
The ad showed a woman blaming Israel for high grocery prices, though Abdul El-Sayed's campaign denied responsibility for the messaging
2026-11-01T17:50:04.000Z
The Justice Department has issued several subpoenas and document-preservation requests as part of its investigation into the Alaska Senate race
2026-11-01T16:12:38.000Z
Trump claimed Abdul El-Sayed lacked support and said Haley Stevens tried working with him before breaking away
2026-11-01T07:45:06.000Z
Max Miller's re-election bid faced financial pressure after weak fundraising, while a House Ethics probe and upcoming custody trial added to his challenges
2026-11-01T06:20:42.000Z
Ted Cruz dismissed claims that polls were inaccurate, warning that Democrats were significantly outpacing Republicans in voter turnout
2026-11-01T05:52:43.000Z
Mike Rogers mocked Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan ties with a birthday basket containing Dubai chocolates, a football, a toy truck and a black T-shirt
2026-11-01T05:30:15.000Z
Alina Habba reportedly secured a $50 million deal with Julio Herrera Velutini's family shortly before Trump pardoned the Venezuelan banking tycoon
2026-11-01T05:22:51.000Z