Kamala Harris condemns Trump/ Trump Hitler comments/ John Kelly Trump allegations/ 2024 election/ Harris vs Trump/ Trump authoritarian/unchecked power/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Donald Trump over reports from former Chief of Staff John Kelly that Trump admired Adolf Hitler and desired similar loyalty from military leaders. Harris warned that Trump seeks “unchecked power” and could govern as a dictator if elected to a second term.
Harris Condemns Trump Over Reported Hitler Praise – Quick Look
- Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Donald Trump for allegedly praising Adolf Hitler, according to comments from John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff.
- Harris said Trump wants a military loyal to him, not the U.S. Constitution, and seeks “unchecked power.”
- Harris warned that if Trump is re-elected, there would be fewer restraints on his actions compared to his first term.
- The remarks came just two weeks before the November 5 election, where millions of Americans have already begun early voting.
Harris: Trump’s Reported Hitler Praise Shows His Desire for ‘Unchecked Power’
Deep Look
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a strong rebuke of Donald Trump on Wednesday, after reports from former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly surfaced, suggesting that Trump admired Adolf Hitler’s generals and harbored dictatorial ambitions. Harris seized on the revelations to warn voters about the dangers of re-electing Trump, saying it provides a clear window into the former president’s true character and intentions.
In a statement made outside her residence in Washington, Harris expressed grave concern about Trump’s reported comments, which Kelly shared in recent interviews with The New York Times and The Atlantic. Kelly, who served as Trump’s chief of staff from 2017 to 2019, recalled that Trump said Hitler “did some good things” and voiced a desire for military leaders akin to those under Hitler’s command.
Trump’s Reported Admiration for Hitler’s Generals
Kelly’s interviews detail troubling conversations with Trump, where the former president reportedly praised Hitler and expressed a preference for “German generals.” When Kelly asked if Trump meant generals from the era of Otto von Bismarck, Trump clarified that he was referring to Hitler’s generals. Kelly pushed back on Trump’s comments, but said Trump brought up the topic more than once during his presidency.
Harris used Kelly’s revelations to sharpen her argument that Trump represents a profound threat to American democracy. She noted that Trump’s desire for generals like Hitler’s is indicative of his broader approach to leadership—one that seeks loyalty to him personally, rather than the country’s institutions.
“Donald Trump is increasingly unhinged and unstable,” Harris said, warning that in a second term, Trump would face even fewer constraints on his power than in his first term. She emphasized that Trump’s desire for unchecked authority puts democracy at risk, particularly if former officials like Kelly are no longer in place to temper his worst impulses.
Kelly and Other Military Leaders Warn of Trump’s Authoritarianism
Kelly’s latest comments are part of a growing chorus of warnings from former Trump officials about the dangers of his leadership. Kelly said Trump fits the definition of a fascist, describing him as a far-right authoritarian who rejects democratic constraints and desires absolute control.
“He certainly prefers the dictator approach to government,” Kelly told The New York Times, adding that Trump “would love to be a dictator.”
These statements build on similar concerns voiced by other former military leaders, such as retired Army General Mark A. Milley, who served as Trump’s chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In Bob Woodward’s recent book War, Milley described Trump as “fascist to the core” and “the most dangerous person to this country.” Retired General Jim Mattis, who served as Secretary of Defense under Trump, reportedly shared this view.
Harris’ Appeal to Voters
As the 2024 election heads into its final stretch, Harris has been using these warnings to appeal to swing voters and independents, particularly those who may have supported Trump in the past but are now concerned about his behavior. Her campaign has also made concerted efforts to reach out to Republican voters, using high-profile supporters like former Rep. Liz Cheney to argue that Trump’s extremism threatens the country’s future.
Harris’ campaign is working to ensure voters understand the stakes of the upcoming election, warning that Trump’s authoritarian tendencies will become more pronounced if he is given a second term. “People that know him best are most opposed to him, his presidency,” said retired Army Brigadier General Steve Anderson, during a call organized by Harris’ campaign on Tuesday.
Harris emphasized that Trump’s approach to leadership, as outlined by Kelly, is not just a personal flaw but a systemic threat to the country’s democratic values. “He wants unchecked power,” Harris said, warning that this election is about whether the American people will allow him to take it.
Election Stakes
With less than two weeks remaining before Election Day, Harris’ remarks serve as a direct challenge to Trump’s character and leadership style. Her pointed attacks, rooted in the testimony of former Trump officials like Kelly, paint a stark contrast between the two candidates as they vie for the presidency.
As millions of voters across key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia cast early ballots, Harris’ message is clear: Trump represents a danger to democracy, and his unchecked power would have dire consequences for the country.
