Over 1,000 Retired Military, GOP Leaders Accuse Trump of Denigrating US
TL/DR –
Over 1,000 retired US generals, admirals, administration officials, ambassadors, and national security leaders have endorsed Kamala Harris for president, citing Donald Trump as a threat to democracy in three open letters. The letters argue that Trump’s actions during and after his term, such as his unfounded claims about the 2020 election, his praise for dictators including Vladimir Putin, and his disregard for military members and democratic norms, make him unfit for office. They argue that a second term for Trump would pose significant risks to the US and its democratic principles.
Over 1,000 retired US national security leaders endorse Kamala Harris, label Donald Trump “unfit” for presidency.
1,000+ retired US generals, admirals, and national security leaders recently signed three open letters endorsing Kamala Harris for president, citing Donald Trump’s unfitness for the role. The signatories, including former Congressional Republicans and staffers from the McCain and Romney campaigns, have had significant national security roles.
According to the letters, Trump’s actions during his first term made him unfit for a second term, including his denial of the 2020 election results, incitement of the Jan. 6 riots, and violation of peaceful power transfer traditions.
- Trump’s admiration for dictators like Vladimir Putin.
- Disparagement of military members as “suckers and losers.”
- Willingness to disregard NATO and other allies.
- Violent rhetoric against opponents.
- Dismissal of democratic norms.
- The alarming plans outlined in Project 2025, a document detailing his potential second term.
The letters originate from the National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) (source). They underline that Trump poses a danger to the principles their oath was meant to protect.
‘We do not make such an assessment lightly’
The NSL4A, which boasts over 700 signatures, forms the largest group endorsing Harris. Two other letters were written by “Bush, McCain, and Romney Alumni for Harris,” featuring 111 and 238 signatures respectively (source) (source). The number of signatures is growing, with members of the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations now joining.
These warnings add to those from high-profile Republicans like Liz Cheney that Trump threatens to act as a dictator (source).
‘An unrestrained Trump’
Group members fear a second Trump term could be worse due to his vow to replace generals who curtailed his worst impulses. Former 4-star generals served as guardrails, such as those who rejected Trump’s suggestion to deploy military force against Black Lives Matter protesters (source).
Former Marine Corps Sergeant Major John L. Estrada echoes these sentiments, expressing concerns about Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.
‘A global threat’
Unfettered Trump represents a global threat to strategic alliances, due to his erratic foreign policy and adulation of authoritarian leaders like Putin. Leaders fear his decision to abandon NATO could lead to global catastrophe.
‘Fundamentally broken and strange’
Former Navy fighter pilot Mike Smith also shares this sentiment, citing Trump’s denigration of wounded soldiers as “suckers” and “losers” (source).
‘We’re talking about thousands of voters.’
Trump’s dwindling support among veterans, active duty military members, and military families could impact the election outcome, with Veterans for Responsible Leadership citing a significant shift towards Democrats (source). Smith suggests Trump’s treatment of veterans could cost him key votes in states like North Carolina.
‘Take a brave stand once more’
The letters call on voters to choose leaders who will work to unite rather than divide, and uphold democratic ideals. Army veteran Melissa Bryant emphasizes the importance of defending these ideals, warning against allowing an “unserious” Trump back into office.
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