Recent revelations from The Atlantic ignited controversy as Donald Trump reportedly expressed a desire for “the kind of generals that Hitler had” during his presidency. Responses from conservative commentators, particularly on Fox News, seemed to downplay the severity of Trump’s remarks, leading to questions about the defense of such statements.
On a recent episode of Fox News, host Brian Kilmeade attempted to rationalize Trump’s comments. He suggested that Trump was merely frustrated and did not fully grasp the implications of referencing Nazi generals. Kilmeade’s defense prompted disbelief, as he implied that there might be a distinction between “German generals” and their association with the Nazi regime. This assertion overlooks a crucial historical fact: all of Hitler’s generals were, indeed, Nazis.
The Hypocrisy of Selective Outrage
Would the reaction be different if a prominent Democratic figure, such as Kamala Harris, had made a similar comment? Imagine if she expressed a need for “the kind of Marxist guerrillas Che Guevara had.” The backlash would likely be swift and unforgiving. Yet, in Trump’s case, the narrative shifts, with some conservative voices eager to excuse his apparent admiration for a dictator known for his atrocities.
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John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff and a retired four-star Marine general, confirmed the authenticity of these comments, stating that Trump often demeaned military veterans and even claimed that Hitler “did some good things.” Kelly’s remarks hold significant weight, as he has nothing to gain from revealing such information, given his honorable reputation.
The Normalization of Extremism
Responses from other Republican figures, like Chris Sununu, the governor of New Hampshire, further illustrate a troubling trend of normalizing extremist rhetoric. Sununu referred to Trump’s statements as “par for the course,” suggesting that the public should accept such comments as part of the political landscape. This viewpoint raises the alarming question of what constitutes acceptable behavior in political discourse.
Dismissing statements like “Hitler did some good things” or expressing a wish for Hitler’s generals as mere political hyperbole is deeply troubling. Such remarks should not be shrugged off lightly; they reflect a dangerous ideology that undermines the values of respect and honor, particularly for military veterans.
A Call for Accountability
As former Rep. Liz Cheney noted, those who defend Trump in light of these revelations should reconsider their position. She emphasized that defending someone who expresses admiration for dictators and disparages service members reveals a profound dishonor. The implications of such views extend beyond political affiliation; they challenge the fundamental principles of morality and respect.
The recent remarks from Trump and his defenders exemplify a worrying trend of “sanewashing,” where extreme comments are downplayed or rationalized. Public figures like Ben Shapiro dismiss these concerns as mere left-wing media attacks, but the reality is that military leaders like Kelly and Mark Milley are hardly left-leaning figures. Their observations about Trump’s authoritarian tendencies come from a place of genuine concern for the integrity of American democracy.
Standing Against the Indefensible
The attempts to defend Trump’s comments should be a wake-up call for all voters. Embracing a political figure who expresses admiration for a regime responsible for widespread suffering and atrocities is unacceptable. As Cheney articulated, the ongoing defense of such views leads to a legacy of dishonor that will linger.
The consensus remains clear: all Nazis were bad, fascism is detrimental to society, and veterans deserve our utmost respect. As the 2024 election approaches, voters should critically assess the implications of supporting candidates who espouse such dangerous ideologies. Refusing to vote for individuals who trivialize the legacy of fascism is not just a political stance; it’s a moral imperative.
