Trump praised Xi's indefinite rule and mused that the United States might try it

Date: 2018-03-03
Entry type: authoritarian-alignment
Current status: The remarks were reported from a closed-door fundraiser; no policy enacted lifetime rule.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-03

Entities and roles

Xi JinpingChinese leader praised in the remarks
Donald J. Trumpspeaker praising indefinite tenure

Claims and evidence

factreported
CNN reported audio of Trump praising Xi Jinping's indefinite tenure and saying the United States might give that approach a shot someday.
- CNN: CNN Newsroom transcript: Trump praises Xi's president-for-life moveFundraiser audio transcript