Trump praised Hitler/ John Kelly Trump claims/ Trump fascism warning/ 2024 election/ Trump authoritarian/ Trump and Hitler’s generals/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly claims Donald Trump expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler’s leadership and generals, warning that the former president exhibits fascist tendencies. Kelly’s allegations come in the final weeks of the 2024 election, as Trump campaigns for a second term, vowing to expand military force domestically.
Kelly Warns of Trump’s Fascist Tendencies, Alleges Praise for Hitler’s Generals – Quick Look
- John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, claims Trump praised Adolf Hitler’s leadership and expressed a desire for generals like Hitler’s.
- Kelly asserts that Trump’s behavior and rhetoric meet the definition of fascism, citing authoritarian tendencies.
- The allegations surface just two weeks before Election Day, as Trump campaigns for a second term.
- Trump’s campaign has denied Kelly’s claims, dismissing them as “fabricated.”
- Kelly joins other former Trump officials, including retired generals Mark Milley and Jim Mattis, in warning about Trump’s authoritarian inclinations.
John Kelly: Trump Admired ‘Hitler’s Generals,’ Warns of Fascist Tendencies
Deep Look
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, John Kelly, Donald Trump’s longest-serving chief of staff, has issued a stark warning about the former president’s admiration for Adolf Hitler and his authoritarian tendencies. In interviews with The New York Times and The Atlantic, Kelly shared troubling accounts of conversations with Trump during his time in the White House, just two weeks before the election.
Kelly, a retired Marine general who served as Trump’s chief of staff from 2017 to 2019, recalled instances where Trump expressed approval for Hitler’s leadership, stating, “You know, Hitler did some good things, too.” According to Kelly, he would repeatedly push back against Trump’s claims, reminding the former president that Hitler’s actions were indefensible.
Kelly also recounted moments when Trump expressed a desire for military leaders like Hitler’s generals. When Kelly questioned whether Trump was referring to historical figures like Otto von Bismarck’s generals, Trump allegedly replied, “Yeah, yeah, Hitler’s generals.”
Trump’s Fascist Tendencies
In his interview with The Times, Kelly said Trump met the textbook definition of a fascist, highlighting Trump’s desire for unchecked power and resistance to any efforts to constrain his authority. Kelly pointed out that Trump’s behavior aligned with the characteristics of far-right authoritarianism, adding that the former president “would love to be a dictator.”
Kelly explained that Trump often resented any limitations on his power, preferring a leadership style where he could unilaterally dictate decisions without regard for legality or due process. “I think he’d love to be just like he was in business,” Kelly said, referencing Trump’s time as a real estate mogul before entering politics.
Kelly’s remarks echo warnings from other former top Trump officials, such as retired General Mark A. Milley, Trump’s former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who described Trump as “fascist to the core” in Bob Woodward’s book War. Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis also reportedly shared similar concerns about Trump’s authoritarian leanings.
Trump Campaign Denies Allegations
Trump’s campaign quickly denied Kelly’s allegations, with spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissing the claims as “fabricated” and accusing Kelly of tarnishing his own reputation. The campaign insists that Kelly’s accounts are baseless, even as the former president continues to rally his base in the final stretch of the election.
Despite the campaign’s denial, Kelly’s accusations add to a growing chorus of concerns from former Trump insiders about his conduct and ambitions. With Election Day approaching, these warnings have further intensified the already heated political landscape.
Election Stakes
As both Trump and Kamala Harris race to secure votes in key battleground states, Kelly’s comments are likely to weigh heavily on the minds of undecided voters. Trump’s rallies have focused on energizing his core supporters with tough rhetoric, while Harris’ campaign has aimed at moderates, college-educated voters, and women.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, seized on Kelly’s allegations, warning that Trump’s behavior represents a descent into “madness.” Speaking at a rally in Wisconsin, Walz emphasized the seriousness of Kelly’s warnings, pointing out that Trump’s expressed desire for military leaders like Hitler’s generals is a grave red flag for American democracy.
The Broader Implications
Kelly’s revelations add a critical layer to the ongoing debate about Trump’s leadership style and his potential second term. With just weeks left before Election Day, the focus on Trump’s authoritarian tendencies is sharpening, especially as the former president continues to promise a campaign of retribution against his perceived political enemies.
As more former Trump officials come forward with concerns, Kelly’s statements highlight the broader fear that a second Trump presidency could further erode democratic institutions and norms in the United States. For voters, these allegations could shape the decision they make in the voting booth, as the country faces a pivotal moment in its political history.
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