Trump’s former chief of staff thinks he is the definition of fascism

In a rare and thoughtful interview in the New York Times, retired Marine General John Kelly, Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, asserts that Trump wished he had “generals like Hitler had” and that he fits into “the definition of fascism.”

John Kelly, Donald Trump’s longest-serving chief of staff, said Trump met the definition of a fascist and would try to govern like a dictator if elected. Read more: https://t.co/r02PIXbjQ3 pic.twitter.com/rjPiJ9Tai1

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 23, 2024

John Kelly broke the usual silence of retired military personnel on their political views to issue a serious warning to the public about a possible Trump election pick.

Mentioning his proximity to the former president in the White House, he declares that Trump already had, in his first term, “a dictatorial approach to government”.

He also points out that Trump admired the obedient attitude of Hitler’s generals and would attempt to govern in a fascist, dictator-like manner if he had the chance to return to the White House.

This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed an interest in dictators.

In a recording recently aired by NBC News, he expressed admiration for the way the North Korean people applaud Kim Jong-un when he enters a room, highlighting the obvious and unanimous support for their leader.

He even claimed in this recording that he wished his own people would display such loyalty and enthusiasm towards him, which led to criticism and concerns about his understanding of authoritarian regimes.