John Kelly, former White House Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Secretary under Donald Trump, has issued serious warnings about the possibility of Trump being re-elected as President of the United States.
In interviews with The Atlantic and The New York Times, Kelly said he felt compelled to speak out after Trump suggested he would use military force against his domestic political opponents.
Kelly described Trump as someone who fully meets the definition of a fascist leader and could govern like a dictator if he returns to the White House. Kelly said Trump always desired absolute power, wanting to do whatever he wished without limits.
He also highlighted the characteristics of fascism: a dictatorial leader, centralized power, militarism, suppression of opposition, and belief in a natural social hierarchy—all of which Kelly said align with Trump’s view on how to run America.
During his time working with Trump, Kelly witnessed several controversial behaviors. He confirmed an incident from a 2022 book where Trump reportedly asked Kelly why he couldn’t have generals as loyal as Germany’s during the fascist era.
When Kelly explained that some of Hitler’s generals, like Erwin Rommel, had to commit suicide for opposing the regime, Trump seemed unaware of this history and continued to praise their loyalty.
Another troubling issue Kelly noted was that Trump had, on multiple occasions, praised Adolf Hitler, even telling Kelly that Hitler “did some good things too.”
Kelly expressed deep concern, recalling that Trump showed little respect for the Constitution, American democracy, or the rule of law.
These revelations paint a picture of a leader who, according to Kelly, lacks respect for democratic norms. Trump’s readiness to praise authoritarian figures, combined with his apparent desire for unchecked power, raises questions about what a second term could mean for the future of the United States.
Kelly’s words are particularly alarming given his close proximity to Trump during his presidency, offering insight into the inner workings of Trump’s mindset. The suggestion that Trump could consider military force against political opponents further emphasizes the potential dangers of electing a leader with such inclinations.
Trump’s recent comments, in which he vowed to use the military against “the enemy within,” reminded Kelly of prior instances where he had to repeatedly tell Trump that the president does not have the authority to deploy the military against American citizens.
According to Kelly, Trump seemed to misunderstand the limits of his power and was willing to disregard the fundamental principles of the U.S. political system.
While Kelly has not publicly endorsed any candidate, he warned that electing the wrong person to a position of great power would be extremely dangerous.
Kelly said he still agrees with some of Trump’s policies, but Trump’s attitude and approach to governance have raised serious concerns for the country’s future.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign quickly urged people to listen to Kelly’s warnings, emphasizing that those who know Trump best are speaking out about the risks of giving him unchecked power.
Harris’ team stressed that it is vital for the public to heed these warnings.
The significance of Kelly’s comments goes beyond mere political criticism. Coming from someone who worked closely with Trump, Kelly’s warning carries weight, urging voters to consider the potential consequences of Trump’s leadership style.
The former general’s concerns highlight the broader debate about preserving democratic institutions and the risks of authoritarian tendencies within the highest levels of government.
