Donald Trump has said “many people” have said that they would “like a dictator”.

He has insisted he isn’t one but the comments will only fuel concerns that Mr Trump has autocratic tendencies.

The US president made the bizarre comments in the White House as controversy continues to rumble about his placing of the National Guard – now armed – on the streets of Washington DC.

He has threatened to expand the National Guard to other cities, including Chicago.

“They say, ‘We don’t need him. Freedom. Freedom. He’s a dictator. He’s a dictator,'” Mr Trump said about his critics on the issue.

“I don’t like a dictator. I’m not a dictator. I’m a man with great common sense, and I’m a smart person. And when I see what’s happened to our cities, and then you send in troops. Instead of being praised, they’re saying, you’re trying to take over the Republic.

“These people are sick,” he added.

It’s not clear who has said they’d maybe “like a dictator”.