An extraordinary coalition of over a dozen former officials from Donald Trump’s administration has come forward in support of Gen. John Kelly’s recent assertions regarding their former boss. These officials are echoing Kelly’s description of Trump as a fascist, warning of the dangers a second Trump term could pose to the United States.
In a letter released on Friday, these ex-officials affirmed Kelly’s characterization of Trump as someone who aspires to lead the nation with dictatorial authority. The letter stated, “We applaud General Kelly for highlighting in stark detail the danger of a second Trump term. Like General Kelly, we did not take the decision to come forward lightly. We are all lifelong Republicans who served our country. However, there are moments in history where it becomes necessary to put country over party. This is one of those moments. Everyone should heed General Kelly’s warning.”
Among the signatories are notable figures such as Kevin Carroll, Kelly’s former senior counselor; Miles Taylor, the former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security; and Olivia Troye, the former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence. Their collective stance highlights a growing concern within Republican ranks regarding Trump’s fitness for office.
This unprecedented action underscores a significant shift among former Trump officials, many of whom have publicly declined to support his candidacy for a second term. This includes high-profile figures such as former Vice President Mike Pence, former national security adviser John Bolton, and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Each has voiced their belief that Trump is unfit to lead the country again.
As the 2024 election approaches, the warnings from these former officials serve as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Their call for vigilance against what they perceive as authoritarian tendencies in Trump’s leadership style resonates with an increasing number of Americans who are wary of the implications of his potential return to power.