In this exclusive statement to CNN, John Kelly, the former White House chief of staff for Donald Trump, provides on-the-record confirmation of troubling stories surrounding Trump’s attitudes towards service members and veterans. This article delves into Kelly’s revelations and the impact on Trump’s presidency.
John Kelly, the longest-serving White House chief of staff for Donald Trump, has taken a bold step by offering his harshest criticism of the former president. In an exclusive statement to CNN, Kelly confirmed a series of disturbing stories about Trump’s private statements concerning US service members and veterans. This article unveils the shocking details revealed by Kelly and explores their implications.
Setting the Record Straight: Kelly wasted no time setting the record straight, providing on-the-record confirmation of Trump’s objectionable comments behind closed doors. These comments targeted those who defended their country in uniform, were shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or endured years of torture as prisoners of war. Kelly witnessed firsthand Trump’s disdain for these American heroes.
An Alarming Lack of Respect: Trump’s disdain extended to his inability to understand why the American public holds former prisoners of war and combat veterans in high regard. Behind closed doors, he repeatedly labelled Senator John McCain as a “loser” for his captivity in Vietnam and even referred to former President George H. W. Bush, a Navy pilot shot down in World War II, with the same derogatory term.
Insulting Gold Star Families: Kelly’s statement also shed light on Trump’s open contempt for Gold Star families, exemplified by his public confrontation with one during the 2016 campaign. Trump’s derogatory comments about those who gave their lives in America’s defense, branding them as ‘losers,’ further deepened his disconnection from the values that underpin the nation.
A Troubling Pattern of Disregard: Beyond his treatment of veterans, Kelly highlighted Trump’s lack of honesty on various fronts, including issues related to the protection of unborn life, women, minorities, evangelical Christians, Jews, and working men and women. This disregard for diverse groups raised concerns about Trump’s understanding of America’s principles and democratic institutions.
Admiration for Autocrats: Kelly’s statement also touched upon Trump’s admiration for autocrats and murderous dictators, a concerning aspect of his foreign policy approach. Trump’s tendency to undermine democratic institutions, the Constitution, and the rule of law further raised questions about his commitment to American values.
Trump’s Contempt for Wounded Veterans: Kelly’s revelation regarding Trump’s reluctance to include wounded veterans in a military parade planned in his honor highlighted the former president’s self-centered approach and lack of empathy for those who sacrificed for their country.
Discrediting General Mark Milley: When CNN reached out to the Trump campaign to seek comment on the revelations, they responded by attacking the character and credibility of retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley, who was not involved in the story. This tactic raised questions about the campaign’s response to the damaging information.
Additional Context: Kelly’s statement added context to a story from the book “The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021,” which detailed Trump’s disinterest in wounded veterans participating in a military parade.
Trump’s Unsettling Reaction: Trump’s reaction to seeing severely wounded Army Captain Luis Avila singing “God Bless America” at an event for the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff further emphasized his inability to empathize with wounded veterans.
A Grave Accusation: Kelly’s statement also referred to Trump’s response to intelligence suggesting he might order a military strike on China, a call that Milley reassured the Chinese counterparts about. Trump’s recent social media post, suggesting that such a call deserved the punishment of death, raised alarms.
A Warning from Cassidy Hutchinson: Former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, in her new book “Enough,” warned that Donald Trump poses a significant threat to American democracy, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
A Long List of Detractors: The article concludes by highlighting the unprecedented number of detractors from Trump’s inner circle, including Mark Esper, Trump’s former secretary of defense, and Bill Barr, his former attorney general, who have voiced concerns about his fitness for office.
John Kelly’s on-the-record confirmation of these troubling stories provides valuable insights into Donald Trump’s attitudes and actions during his presidency, raising questions about his commitment to American values and the wellbeing of those who serve their country.
