More than a dozen former Trump administration officials have come forward to support former chief of staff John Kelly, who recently made damning statements about the former president. In a letter exclusively shared with POLITICO, these officials, who have been vocal critics of Trump for years, emphasized that Kelly’s revelations are not surprising given their firsthand experience working with Trump.
The letter commends General Kelly for shedding light on the dangers of a potential second Trump term, stating that it is crucial to prioritize the country over party allegiance in times like these. Among the signatories of the letter are Kevin Carroll, Sarah Matthews, Elizabeth Neumann, Anthony Scaramucci, Miles Taylor, Stephanie Grisham, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Olivia Troye.
Taylor, the author of the book “Anonymous,” and Troye, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention, have been vocal about their concerns regarding Trump’s leadership. The letter from these former officials comes at a crucial time as Vice President Harris ramps up her campaign against Trump, positioning him as a threat to democracy.
Recent polling data indicates that voters are increasingly viewing Trump as too extreme and a danger to the country. The Harris campaign’s focus group with undecided voters in a battleground state found that Kelly’s criticism of Trump resonated with participants and raised doubts about supporting the former president.
In response to Kelly’s statements, Trump took to Truth Social to disparage the former general, calling him a “lowlife” and accusing him of fabricating stories out of hatred. Trump’s remarks likely refer to Kelly’s previous claim that the former president made derogatory comments about soldiers in private.
The Harris campaign continues to highlight the support from Republican officials and former Trump administration staff who question Trump’s fitness for office. Harris and her team are leveraging these endorsements to drive home the message that a second Trump term would pose significant risks to the country.
As the campaign intensifies in the final week leading up to the election, Harris is set to deliver a speech at the Ellipse on the National Mall, echoing the concerns raised by Kelly and other former officials about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency. Through a combination of ads, events, and endorsements, the Harris campaign aims to sway undecided voters and solidify support among those wary of a Trump return to the White House.
