13 Former Trump Officials Warn of ‘Absolute, Unchecked Power’ in Open Letter

[Social Media]

 

Thirteen former Trump administration officials issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency in an open letter on Friday. The group, comprising lifelong Republicans and previous high-ranking members of Trump’s administration, rallied behind John F. Kelly’s recent statements in which he suggested that Donald Trump’s leadership style could resemble a dictatorship if he returns to office. Kelly, a retired Marine general and Trump’s longest-serving chief of staff, recently shared with The New York Times that Trump had occasionally expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler and had questioned the loyalty of U.S. generals.

 

“For the good of our country, our democracy, and our Constitution, we are asking you to listen closely and carefully to General Kelly’s warning,” the former officials wrote. Although they expressed shock at Kelly’s statements, they noted they were “not surprised.” They recalled Trump’s past actions and rhetoric, which they believe point to his “desire for absolute, unchecked power.” While the letter did not specifically claim that any of the signatories directly heard Trump speak favorably about Hitler, it emphasized that they had all “witnessed, up close and personal, how Donald Trump operates and what he is capable of.”

 

The letter underscored the group’s shared view that the American people deserve a leader who would prioritize public interest over personal power. “The American people deserve a leader who won’t threaten to turn armed troops against them, won’t put his quest for power above their needs, and doesn’t idealize the likes of Adolf Hitler,” they asserted. This warning comes amid Trump’s increasingly combative rhetoric; he has described Democrats as “the enemy from within” and has suggested that the National Guard may need to be deployed to address potential internal threats if he wins office again.

 

Signatories of the letter included notable figures such as Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House press secretary; Olivia Troye, an adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence; and Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as communications director. Alyssa Farah Griffin, previously Pence’s press secretary; Sarah Matthews, a former deputy White House press secretary; and three former Homeland Security Department officials, including Kevin Carroll, Elizabeth Neumann, and Sofia Kinzinger, also lent their voices to the letter. The group’s appeal reflects deep concerns over what they describe as Trump’s “disdain for the American military” and his perceived affinity for authoritarianism.

 

The letter’s release was organized shortly after Kelly’s comments appeared in *The New York Times* earlier in the week. According to Kelly, Trump’s understanding of history was limited, and he had tried to explain the troubling implications of speaking positively about Hitler. Still, Trump reportedly continued to make occasional remarks suggesting Hitler’s achievements. The former aides’ letter echoed Kelly’s sentiments, reinforcing the belief that Trump’s return to office would be characterized by a leadership style placing his personal power over democratic principles.

 

The Trump campaign has not responded to the letter or Kelly’s remarks, leaving unanswered questions about the former president’s stance on the allegations raised by his former allies.

 

Based on a report from the NYT 2024-10-28

 

 

 

[Tug]

Thank god for true patriots it takes courage and true love of country to do what they did.my respect 🫡 

[Chomper Higgot]

People who actually know Trump.

 

Brace for incoming deflections, low and to the right.

[MalcolmB]

7 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

People who actually know Trump.

 

Brace for incoming deflections, low and to the right.

Losers that were terrible, just terrible, so terrible you wouldn’t believe it, were sacked and have hurt feelings.

 

How is that?

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Losers that were terrible, just terrible, so terrible you wouldn’t believe it, were sacked and have hurt feelings.

 

How is that?

It’s a start.

[JonnyF]

Interesting that they waited until now to release these stunning revelations .

 

I too know people bitter at being sacked. Spitefulness is a terrible thing to carry around with you. I hope they can get over it one day. 

[neeray]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Interesting that they waited until now to release these stunning revelations .

 

I too know people bitter at being sacked. Spitefulness is a terrible thing to carry around with you. I hope they can get over it one day. 

Timing is everything. They waited until the time when most impact would be made. They are heroes who have stuck their necks out in their belief of democracy, despite Trump's threats of having HIS militia arrest them. 

[JonnyF]

7 minutes ago, neeray said:

Timing is everything. They waited until the time when most impact would be made. They are heroes who have stuck their necks out in their belief of democracy, despite Trump's threats of having HIS militia arrest them. 

 

There will be no impact.

 

It's like the boy who cried wolf at this point. 

[Yagoda]

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

There will be no impact.

 

It's like the boy who cried wolf at this point. 

Its like a screeching frothing head shaking red faced twitching howling circle jerk at this point in time. Nobody out side the circle of loons obsessed not just with Trump, but with the prospect of their power slipping away is listening.

 

Its going to be a landslide. 

[Celsius]

#metoo

[Wrwest]

4 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Losers that were terrible, just terrible, so terrible you wouldn’t believe it, were sacked and have hurt feelings.

 

How is that?

So, Trump's claim to hiring the best was yet another lie ... surprise, surprise, surprise ... and so many of them?

[Wrwest]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Interesting that they waited until now to release these stunning revelations .

 

I too know people bitter at being sacked. Spitefulness is a terrible thing to carry around with you. I hope they can get over it one day. 

Noting that we are at a critical point with the candidate in question being a clear and present danger to my country.

[transam]

Worth watching........

 

 

[HK MacPhooey]

2 hours ago, neeray said:

Timing is everything. They waited until the time when most impact would be made. They are heroes who have stuck their necks out in their belief of democracy, despite Trump's threats of having HIS militia arrest them. 

So you would prefer democracy Democrat style?

[Thingamabob]

As a Brit I don't have a direct interest in the US election however it is clear in talking to stockbrokers and bookmakers that they are expecting an easy win for Trump. They're worth listening to because they lose money if they get things wrong. Feeling is not many voters are interested in anything Kelly has to say.

[Dave0206]

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

As a Brit I don't have a direct interest in the US election however it is clear in talking to stockbrokers and bookmakers that they are expecting an easy win for Trump. They're worth listening to because they lose money if they get things wrong. Feeling is not many voters are interested in anything Kelly has to say.

Well there are odds given and bookmakers will make money by the "over round " 4/6 Donald Trump 11/10 kamela Harris they just move the odds with weight of money 2016 Donald was outsider so basically you are watching gamblers predictions. 

Bookmakers don't care they just want a balanced book

[soalbundy]

12 hours ago, Tug said:

Thank god for true patriots it takes courage and true love of country to do what they did.my respect 🫡 

While I admire your sentiments, unfortunately it shouldn't take courage to express in writing their opinions, as these former advisors have done, in a functioning democracy. Surely he can't just act as a dictator, where are the famous checks and balances? I'm appalled that such a man can still garner so much support, it doesn't say much for the average American. In Europe such a man would be thrown out of his party and would never again have a political future.

[thaipo7]

13 hours ago, Tug said:

Thank god for true patriots it takes courage and true love of country to do what they did.my respect 🫡 

No policy, no plans, just fear tactics.   Look at her last 4 years.  Empty pantsuit.

[nauseus]

5 hours ago, Wrwest said:

So, Trump's claim to hiring the best was yet another lie ... surprise, surprise, surprise ... and so many of them?

 

Most had to be by recommendation. He wasn't a Swamp insider, remember? 

[nauseus]

31 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

While I admire your sentiments, unfortunately it shouldn't take courage to express in writing their opinions, as these former advisors have done, in a functioning democracy. Surely he can't just act as a dictator, where are the famous checks and balances? I'm appalled that such a man can still garner so much support, it doesn't say much for the average American. In Europe such a man would be thrown out of his party and would never again have a political future.

 

His support is probably growing because a huge number of previously undecided voters have discovered that Harris is hopeless.

[RocketDog]

10 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Spitefulness is a terrible thing to carry around with you. I hope they can get over it one day. 

Ignorance is a terrible thing to carry around with you. But I doubt you will ever get over it.

[Tug]

1 hour ago, thaipo7 said:

No policy, no plans, just fear tactics.   Look at her last 4 years.  Empty pantsuit.

Lots and lots of policy,she’s bringing to light in trumps own words his plans to kill democracy in America……the last 4 years indeed……low unemployment stellar stockmarket inflation being tamed nato re energized and 2 new top tier members infrastructure moving forward lowered drug prices strongest economy on the planet……you need to take off your trump goggles sad 😞 

[frank83628]

13 hours ago, transam said:

Worth watching........

 

 

Why bother

[thaibeachlovers]

16 hours ago, neeray said:

Timing is everything. They waited until the time when most impact would be made. They are heroes who have stuck their necks out in their belief of democracy, despite Trump's threats of having HIS militia arrest them. 

Trump has a militia, well I never knew that. Do they wear brown shirts?

[thaibeachlovers]

12 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Feeling is not many voters are interested in anything Kelly has to say.

Most rational people can recognise a blatant political stitch up when they see one.

[Tug]

7 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Most rational people can recognise a blatant political stitch up when they see one.

You are delusional Kelley Matt is pence and all the others are serious people speaking about a serious matter people are listening and talking……

[Talon]

10 hours ago, nauseus said:

 

Most had to be by recommendation. He wasn't a Swamp insider, remember? 

 

This is true, and Trump has admitted as much -- even in the Rogan interview.

 

Trump has already announced that he will NOT go through the normal briefings and channels of transition if he wins. That was how the nefarious actors infiltrated his administration last time. Trump has already accumulated over 400 people to install within the federal government to lead each department -- and remove the Obama holdovers.  All within the president's powers (that the SCOTUS recently ruled). The POTUS is the head of the Executive Branch. No agency of the federal government supersedes that authority.

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, shdmn said:

And when you try explain reality to them they accuse you of of being misinformed by CNN.  🤡

 

 

He isn't trying to explain anything.

 

He's shouting FASCIST at anyone who disagrees with him.

 

Not exactly highbrow stuff. 

 

I remember back in the days of Brexit we had some good debates on the single market and customs union, trade tariffs, freedom of movement etc. It seems the left in America just want to scream NAZI/FASCIST. I guess it's easier. Quite sad to see. 

[Chomper Higgot]

37 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

He isn't trying to explain anything.

 

He's shouting FASCIST at anyone who disagrees with him.

 

Not exactly highbrow stuff. 

 

I remember back in the days of Brexit we had some good debates on the single market and customs union, trade tariffs, freedom of movement etc. It seems the left in America just want to scream NAZI/FASCIST. I guess it's easier. Quite sad to see. 

Ignoring the fact that this election is being contested by a candidate who on multiple occasions has resorted to the rhetoric of fascism and the fact that multiple people who actually know Trump and served in his administration are warning of his fascism.

It seems you are more concerned with the accusation of fascism than the credible threat of a fascist candidate we are all being warned of.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 29 by Chomper Higgot

[JonnyF]

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Ignoring the fact that this election is being contested by a candidate who on multiple occasions has resorted to the rhetoric of fascism and the fact that multiple people who actually know Trump and served in his administration are warning of his fascism.

It seems you are more concerned with the accusation of fascism than the credible threat of a fascist candidate we are all being warned of.

 

 

 

 

 

I think it's complete nonsense from the left. They know Harris is useless, an empty shell devoid of personality or ideas, they can't lift her up so instead they try to push Trump down.

 

Trump already did 4 years. I didn't see the US become a fascist state. It won't next time either. It's just manic hyperbole from the left who are regretting choosing Harris and know the writing is on the wall. They've resorted to vitriolic mud slinging but unfortunately most of it is sticking to their own hand.  

 

Maybe if they hadn't pretended Biden was "sharp as a tack" for 2 years they would have had more time to choose a suitable candidate? Still, they made their bed and now they must (pathologically) lie in it.