Key Takeaways:
– Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly labels the former president Donald Trump’s leadership style as ‘dictatorial’ and ‘fascist’.
– In recent interviews, Kelly criticizes Trump for a lack of empathy and a desire for unchecked power.
– Vice President Harris leverages Kelly’s comments, positioning her opponent as a threat to democracy.
– While many ex-officials now oppose Trump, his campaign rebuts Kelly’s claims as fabrications.
– Significant Trump-era figures, like Mark Esper, Mike Pence, and John Bolton, share Kelly’s critical view of Trump’s reign.
An Authoritarian Accusation
Retired Marine General John Kelly, who previously served as President Donald Trump’s longest-standing Chief of Staff, delivered a scorching critique of his former boss in recent discussions. Positioning the former president’s leadership style as “dictatorial” and “fascist,” Kelly accused Trump of being devoid of empathy and yearning for unchecked power.
Harris Capitalizes on Criticisms
Vice President Kamala Harris is utilizing the warnings shed by Kelly to fortify her assertion that her opponent poses a significant risk to American democracy. She argues that Trump is unfit to hold office due to his authoritarian tendencies. Seeking to appeal to moderate Republicans and independents, Harris urges them to reconsider their support for Trump. “So the bottom line is this, we know what Donald Trump wants — he wants unchecked power. The question, in 13 days, will be what do the American people want?” Harris stated, in reference to the upcoming Election Day.
Kelly’s Conviction
In the interview, Kelly – the most high-profile Trump-era official to criticize the former president publicly – remarked, “Certainly the former president is in the far-right area, he’s certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators — he has said that.” He also criticized Trump’s insensitivity towards the military, elucidating how Trump denigrated the disabled, injured, or soldiers who lost their lives in service.
Trump Campaign’s Counterclaim
In retaliation to Kelly’s comments, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung refuted his allegations and termed them as invented stories that have been debunked. “President Trump has always honored the service and sacrifice of all of our military men and women,” Cheung countered.
Ex-Officials Echo Kelly’s Criticisms
Harris has been working to take advantage of the increasing number of ex-officials like Kelly who have turned against Trump. By conducting events with them and urging moderate Republicans to re-evaluate their loyalties and cast their votes in her favor instead.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Vice President Mike Pence, and National Security Adviser John Bolton are among the key figures who have publicly critiqued Trump’s governance style post their tenure.
Controversy Over Military Maneuvering
Kelly’s criticisms were reportedly fueled by Trump’s recent comments about deploying the military against what he deems the “enemy from within.” Reports also indicate that during his time as Chief of Staff, Kelly had to repeatedly correct Trump’s understanding of Adolf Hitler’s rule in Germany, refuting any comparison to the methods of managing the U.S. military.
As the discussion around Trump’s potential return to power escalates, Kelly’s remarks have added a new dimension to the narrative – questioning the fundamentals of democracy under Trump’s leadership and re-evaluating his reign’s consequences on the American people and their future.