Trump's White House Chief of Staff warns Americans
Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly has issued stark warnings regarding former President Donald Trump’s potential misuse of the U.S. military. Kelly claimed Trump sought to use the military to serve his own agenda rather than uphold its loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. He cited instances where Trump allegedly expressed a desire for a military leadership style mirroring authoritarian regimes, particularly that of Adolf Hitler. Kelly recalled Trump expressing frustration over limits on his authority, indicating a preference for autocratic power and disregard for legal constraints. This included alarming discussions about the potential use of military forces in domestic settings, raising concerns that Trump may prioritize personal loyalty over lawful command.
Kelly’s concerns are supported by other high-ranking military officials, including former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and General Mark Milley, who have voiced similar fears about Trump’s alleged "dictatorial" tendencies. Kelly argued that Trump’s desire to wield the military to serve his interests reveals a broader ideological shift toward authoritarianism, one that Kelly fears could destabilize constitutional governance. He underscored the importance of military independence from partisan or personal influence, warning that erosion of this norm could have serious implications for democracy.
AP News, Reuters, Military.com, The New York Times, Washington Post