As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump finds himself at the center of yet another controversy—this time, over shocking claims made by his former chief of staff, John Kelly. In a recent interview, Kelly revealed that Trump repeatedly praised Hitler, stating, “Hitler did many good things,” while expressing a desire for generals who would show him the same unwavering loyalty that Nazi generals displayed during World War II.
These revelations raise serious questions about Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leadership and his ongoing threat to democracy.
Trump’s Troubling Admiration for Hitler’s Generals
According to Kelly, Trump was often frustrated by his military leaders’ refusal to follow certain commands, such as his attempt to initiate a war with Iran. He reportedly lamented the lack of obedience from his generals, openly wishing for “German generals.” When Kelly sought clarification, asking if Trump meant the generals from the Bismarck era, Trump shockingly replied, “Yeah, yeah, Hitler’s generals.”
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This disturbing revelation offers further insight into Trump’s growing fascination with dictators and totalitarian regimes during his time in the White House. Kelly observed that Trump frequently expressed frustration at democratic checks and balances, preferring a governing style that mirrored his business empire, where he could command and expect immediate compliance without legal constraints. “He would love to be a dictator,” Kelly noted, underscoring the gravity of Trump’s authoritarian impulses.
Dictatorship: A Pattern of Praise
John Kelly is not the first senior official to ring the alarm bells. General Mark A. Milley, Trump’s former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has also described Trump as “a wannabe dictator” and warned that he is “the most dangerous person to this country.” Even Mike Pence, Trump’s own vice president, has spoken out. After the January 6th attack, in which Trump supporters sought to kill him for certifying the 2020 election, Pence declared: “Anyone who puts themselves above the Constitution should never be president of the United States.”
These statements from insiders paint a chilling picture of a man whose ambitions may extend far beyond the powers of a democratically elected president. Trump’s ongoing admiration for strongmen like Putin and his frequent dismissals of democratic norms further reinforce these concerns.
Evangelicals: Will They Draw the Line?
Trump’s actions have long defied the expectations of moral and religious leaders. From numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and blatant lies to his controversial praise for Putin, many have wondered how Trump continues to maintain strong support from white evangelical Christians—a demographic that has been one of his most loyal voter bases.
Even when Trump seemingly shifted his stance on abortion, moving away from the pro-life narrative that galvanized much of his evangelical support, his base remained loyal. But the question now is whether Trump’s praise for Hitler, coupled with his wish for Nazi-like obedience from military leaders, will be the red line for evangelical Christians.
After all, evangelical support has largely hinged on the belief that Trump was a defender of Christian values. But how do these Christians reconcile their faith with Trump’s admiration for a regime responsible for the Holocaust and countless atrocities? Is there any limit to what they will tolerate?
A Threat to Democracy
Trump’s comments about Hitler and his increasing desire for unchecked power present a grave threat not only to American democracy but also to the moral fabric that holds many of his supporters together. As Kelly and others have pointed out, Trump’s aspiration to rule with authoritarian control is not only un-American but fundamentally at odds with Christian teachings of humility, truth, and justice.
As the 2024 election looms, the nation is faced with a critical decision. The stakes are higher than ever, and Trump’s most recent remarks force a reckoning. If Trump’s praise for Hitler isn’t a red line for Christians, what is?
The answer to that question may well determine the future of both the United States and the faith communities that claim to uphold its core values.
