White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday that President Donald Trump's comments regarding not needing an election were made "simply joking."
President's Comments
During a Thursday press briefing, Leavitt responded to a reporter's question about Trump's Wednesday remarks to Reuters. She explained that the President's statement, "We shouldn't even have an election," was facetious. Leavitt indicated Trump was suggesting that his administration's performance was so effective that it could continue without an electoral contest.
Context of Remarks
Trump's comments to Reuters occurred while he was discussing the historical trend of sitting presidents' parties often losing seats in midterm elections. He stated, "It's some deep psychological thing, but when you win the presidency, you don't win the midterms." He then added that due to his accomplishments, "when you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election."
Prior Similar Statements
Last month, Trump made a similar remark in a speech to House Republicans: "How we have to even run against these people — I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election." He also noted, "The fake news would say, 'He wants the elections canceled. He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator."
Constitutional Authority
The U.S. Constitution and federal law do not grant the president any power to cancel an election.