In a recent bold statement, GOP pollster Sarah Longwell criticized former President Donald Trump’s defenders for their blind loyalty amid serious allegations. Speaking out on X, Longwell highlighted the troubling nature of Trump’s past comments and actions, particularly his reported admiration for Nazi figures, labeling the responses from his supporters as sycophantic at best and dangerous at worst.
The Context of Longwell’s Critique
Longwell’s remarks came after former Chief of Staff John Kelly shared his unsettling experiences with Trump, revealing that the former president asked him to emulate Nazi generals. This revelation led Longwell to challenge Trump’s loyalists, who often dismiss credible criticisms from former administration officials.
“When a former Trump official comes out with a story demonstrating Trump’s unfitness for office,” she stated, “nihilistic Trump defenders leap into action, questioning the motives, context, or credibility of the individual making the claim.” Longwell emphasized the importance of acknowledging the numerous accusations against Trump from his former associates, stating, “They want you to forget the cumulative weight of the accusations against Trump coming from a raft of his own former employees.”
Voices of Concern from Former Trump Officials
To support her argument, Longwell shared powerful statements from various former Trump officials. The collective sentiment was clear: many believe Trump poses a significant threat to American democracy.
- Former Vice President Mike Pence declared, “The American people deserve to know that President Trump asked me to put him over my oath to the Constitution.”
- Jim Mattis, the former Secretary of Defense, described Trump as someone whose actions enable a “nihilistic” political climate, referring to those who support him as “pseudo-political leaders” who will be remembered for their cowardice.
- Mark Esper, another former Secretary of Defense, expressed concern about Trump’s integrity, stating, “I think he’s unfit for office. He puts himself before country.”
General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not hold back, labeling Trump as “fascist to the core” and “the most dangerous person to this country.”
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton warned of a “retribution presidency,” which would not only target extreme leftists but also those in Trump’s own party who oppose him. Bill Barr, the former Attorney General, highlighted Trump’s bullying tactics, saying, “Someone who engaged in that kind of bullying about a process that is fundamental to our system shouldn’t be anywhere near the Oval Office.”
Longwell’s Stark Questions
Longwell’s thread culminated with a series of thought-provoking questions aimed at Trump supporters. She asked, “Are they all lying? Are we supposed to be skeptical that Trump called soldiers ‘suckers’ and ‘losers’?” referencing Trump’s past derogatory remarks about John McCain.
She also questioned whether people should doubt Trump’s admiration for Hitler’s generals when he hosted white supremacist Nick Fuentes at Mar-a-Lago, a move that raised significant concerns. In addition, Longwell referenced Trump’s incendiary rhetoric about immigrants, such as claims that they are “poisoning the blood” of America.
The Takeaway
Longwell concluded with a stark warning: “Trump is dangerous and unfit, and all the responsible people who served in his last term have told us as much.” She urged the public to critically evaluate the comments of “dead-eyed Trump sycophants,” like Senator Lindsey Graham and strategist Scott Jennings, who downplay the evidence against Trump.
