Article Summary –
Over 1,000 retired military and national security leaders, including former generals and ambassadors, signed open letters endorsing Kamala Harris and criticizing Donald Trump as a threat to democracy. They cited Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election, incitement of the Jan. 6 riots, and admiration for dictators. The letters warn that Trump’s potential second term could undermine democratic norms and harm strategic alliances. Many signatories see Trump as an existential threat to democracy and national security, highlighting his erratic behavior and disdain for military and democratic principles.
Former generals, admirals, and national security leaders support Kamala Harris, call Donald Trump a threat to democracy
Over 1,000 retired generals, admirals, Bush administration officials, US ambassadors, former Congressional Republicans, and national security leaders signed open letters endorsing Kamala Harris for president, declaring Donald Trump “unfit to be Commander-in-Chief.”
These bipartisan warnings from experienced individuals who have confronted dictators and protected allies highlight the dangers they see in Trump.
Their concerns include:
- Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and incitement of the Jan. 6 riots.
- Praise for dictators like Vladimir Putin.
- Disregard for NATO and allies.
- Violent rhetoric and rejection of democratic norms.
- Policy priorities detailed in Project 2025 by Trump associates.
“We are former public servants who swore an oath to the Constitution,” begins one letter from the National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A).
Trump, they say, threatens these principles.
‘We do not make such an assessment lightly’
NSL4A, with 700+ signatures, is the largest of the groups. Two other letters were from “Bush, McCain, and Romney Alumni for Harris,” one from military leaders and the other from civilian staff.
Signatures have grown, with members from Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations joining.
This mirrors warnings from Liz Cheney and other Republicans that Trump’s second term would be dictatorship-like.
“Mr. Trump denigrates our country and does not believe in the American ideal,” wrote NSL4A. “We do not make such an assessment lightly.”
An unrestrained Trump
The letters, written recently, stem from a longer effort to highlight Trump’s threats. At the Democratic National Convention, Michael Smith, a retired rear-admiral, warned that a second Trump term could be worse, lacking the generals who restrained him.
Smith cited Trump’s 2020 suggestion to shoot Black Lives Matter protesters as an example of his dangerous impulses.
“Donald Trump is an existential threat to democracy,” he said.
Marine Corps Sergeant Major John L. Estrada shared similar concerns, comparing Trump to Ferdinand Marcos, an authoritarian ruler. “This is the way it’s going to be [here],” he warned if Trump wins.
A global threat
Unrestrained, Trump threatens strategic alliances. His erratic foreign policy has eroded ally trust, with praise for authoritarian leaders like Putin exacerbating this.
“He will be the one president that takes us closest to World War III,” warned Smith.
‘Fundamentally broken and strange’
Mike Smith, a former Navy fighter pilot with Veterans for Responsible Leadership (VFRL), echoed these fears. He criticized Trump’s disrespect towards military honors and graves, calling him “fundamentally broken and strange.”
Trump’s behavior has alienated veteran voters, shifting their support towards Democrats.
‘Take a brave stand once more’
Bush, McCain, and Romney Alumni group urged voters to support leaders who unite, not divide. Melissa Bryant, an Army veteran, emphasized the need to prevent Trump from returning to office, stressing the importance of institutional norms in America.
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