John Kelly, a former four-star Marine general and chief of staff to Donald Trump, has publicly criticized his former boss ahead of the upcoming Election Day. In interviews with The New York Times, Kelly expressed concern about Trump’s suggestion of using the military against domestic “enemies,” particularly Democrats. This statement, he believes, poses significant risks and raises questions about the appropriateness of using military force for political gain.
Kelly characterized Trump’s behavior as potentially fitting the definition of fascism, citing traits such as authoritarianism, militarism, and suppression of opposition. He also revealed that Trump had expressed a desire for generals resembling those used by Adolf Hitler, a remark Kelly found alarming and advised Trump not to repeat.
These assertions come amid growing apprehension from former officials within Trump’s administration about his fitness for office. Mark Milley, a retired Army general, previously described Trump as a dangerous figure with fascist tendencies, while Mark Esper, the former defense secretary, warned that Trump might misuse the military against critics if re-elected.
Trump’s campaign responded to Kelly’s remarks by dismissing them as fabrications stemming from a personal vendetta. A spokesperson claimed that Trump has consistently honored the military, contrasting his record with that of Vice President Kamala Harris.
As early voting unfolds, the discourse surrounding Trump’s leadership style intensifies, with Harris’s campaign leveraging Kelly’s comments to galvanize support. Harris’s team highlighted the grave concerns from those close to Trump, urging voters to heed warnings about his pursuit of unchecked power.
Despite the fiery debate, some political analysts express skepticism that these developments will sway an electorate already divided on Trump. They argue that many voters have firm opinions on the former president, and it may be difficult for late-breaking news to alter their views significantly. Nevertheless, with just weeks before the election, both campaigns are eager for any advantage in a tight race.