In a startling new revelation, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly has accused former President Donald Trump of making repeated positive comments about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler during his time in office. Speaking in interviews with The New York Times and The Atlantic, Kelly, who served as Trump’s chief of staff from 2017 to 2019, said Trump commented more than once that Hitler “did some good things, too,” a sentiment Kelly vehemently pushed back on. These allegations come just two weeks before the U.S. presidential election, as Trump seeks a second term.
Kelly’s Grave Accusations
Kelly, a retired Marine general, went on to describe Trump as meeting “the general definition of a fascist” and warned that the former president “admires people who are dictators.” According to Kelly, Trump demonstrated a disregard for constitutional limits during his first term and, if elected again, would likely govern as an authoritarian.
The former chief of staff, who has been increasingly critical of Trump since leaving the administration, also recalled instances where Trump suggested that he needed “the type of generals that Hitler had,” seemingly admiring the loyalty and discipline the Nazi leader commanded from his military.
Kelly’s comments come as part of a broader critique of Trump’s leadership style, and he has previously accused the former president of disrespecting veterans, calling those killed in combat “suckers” and “losers.” His latest warnings intensify concerns among former top Trump officials who have voiced similar fears about what a second Trump term could entail.
Trump Campaign Responds
Trump’s campaign has fired back at Kelly, dismissing his comments as “debunked stories” and accusing the former general of “totally beclowning himself.” A spokesperson for the campaign vehemently denied Kelly’s claims, portraying them as part of an ongoing effort by disgruntled former officials to discredit Trump ahead of the election. The spokesperson insisted that Kelly’s portrayal of Trump is inaccurate and politically motivated.
Despite these denials, Kelly’s allegations build on a series of concerns raised by former Trump administration officials who have come forward to express fears about Trump’s potential return to power.
Vice President Harris Weighs In
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate running against Trump, addressed Kelly’s remarks during a campaign stop, calling Trump’s alleged comments about Hitler “a window into who he is.” Harris also labeled Trump as dangerous, stating that his rhetoric and admiration for dictators make him unfit for office. “Donald Trump says dangerous things, and this is just another example,” Harris said. She reiterated her stance that a second Trump presidency would threaten the core values of American democracy.
Concerns About Authoritarianism
Kelly’s comments reflect broader concerns that Trump’s leadership style aligns with authoritarian figures, particularly given his repeated praise for strongmen such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Kelly highlighted that Trump, during his presidency, floated the idea of deploying the U.S. military against his political opponents and indicated he would expand his use of military force domestically if re-elected.
“He’s certainly the only president that has all but rejected what America is all about,” Kelly told The New York Times, emphasizing Trump’s lack of respect for constitutional principles and American democratic values.
International Interference Accusations
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has also accused the U.K.’s Labour Party of election interference, filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission. The complaint comes after reports surfaced that nearly 100 Labour Party staffers were planning to travel to the U.S. to campaign for Vice President Harris. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denied any organized interference, clarifying that the staffers were volunteering in their personal time.
Impact on the Election
With the election just days away, Kelly’s explosive allegations add to the already heated political environment, and they are likely to fuel debate about Trump’s leadership qualities and his vision for the country. As both campaigns ramp up their final efforts to sway voters, these revelations could have a lasting impact on public perceptions of Trump, particularly among undecided voters.
