From John Kelly to Mike Pence, prominent figures within the Trump administration have raised serious concerns about Donald Trump’s fitness to serve as president. A group of lifelong Republicans, including former aides, have publicly denounced Trump in a recent letter detailing their views on his leadership. The individuals speaking out range from high-ranking military officials to reality TV stars, but they all share a common experience: working closely with Trump, which has shaped their perspectives on his capabilities.
**John Kelly**
As Trump’s Chief of Staff from 2017 to 2019, retired Marine Corps General John Kelly had a close view of the administration. His tenure was marked by a declining relationship with Trump, including reports of frequent disagreements. Notably, he described Trump as “an idiot” in Bob Woodward’s book “Fear,” characterizing Trump’s leadership as a “Crazytown” administration. Recently, Kelly stated that Trump fits “the general definition of fascist,” expressing that he “certainly prefers the dictator approach to government.”
**Mark Milley**
Mark Milley, the former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, became a national figure during his tenure under both Trump and Biden. He made headlines in 2020 for participating in a controversial photo op with Trump. Milley later apologized for that moment and refused to support Trump’s militaristic responses to protests. Today, Milley has labeled Trump a “fascist to the core,” asserting that he is doing “great and irreparable harm.”
**Mark Esper**
Mark Esper served as Secretary of Defense from 2019 until he was ousted by Trump in November 2020. Throughout his time in the administration, he clashed with Trump on issues including military deployment during civil unrest. Esper has warned that Trump “has those inclinations” toward fascism, urging caution regarding Trump’s leadership.
**James Mattis**
As Trump’s first Secretary of Defense, James Mattis resigned after Trump’s abrupt decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. He has been critical of Trump, stating that Trump doesn’t even attempt to unite Americans but rather seeks to divide them. Mattis has warned that Trump makes a “mockery of our constitution.”
**John Bolton**
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton served from 2018 to 2019 before being dismissed by Trump. He has been blunt about his views, declaring Trump “unfit to be president” and suggesting that Trump “hasn’t got the brains” for dictatorial governance.
**Rex Tillerson**
Rex Tillerson, who was Secretary of State under Trump, often disagreed with him on various issues and reportedly called Trump a “moron.” After his tenure, Tillerson criticized Trump’s discipline and knowledge of global affairs, saying Trump is “pretty undisciplined” and “has a really limited” understanding of U.S. history.
**Omarosa Manigault Newman**
Omarosa, a former contestant on “The Apprentice,” worked in the White House for a year before her dismissal. Since then, she has been candid about her disillusionment, stating, “I fell for a conman – a conman who turned out to be the biggest fraud.”
**Mike Pence**
Serving as Vice President, Mike Pence was one of Trump’s closest allies. After the January 6 Capitol riots, he faced threats from Trump supporters for refusing to overturn the election results. Pence recently stated, “Anyone who puts themselves over the constitution should never be president of the United States.”
**Michael Cohen**
Once Trump’s attorney, Cohen has become a key witness in legal proceedings against Trump. He hasn’t held back in his criticisms, labeling Trump a “cheat, a liar, a fraud, a bully, a racist, a predator, and a conman.”
**Cassidy Hutchinson**
As an aide to Mark Meadows, Trump’s last Chief of Staff, Hutchinson attracted significant attention for her testimony regarding Trump’s actions leading up to the January 6 events. She expressed her disgust over Trump’s role in the attempted insurrection, saying, “It was unpatriotic. It was un-American.”
**Alyssa Farah Griffin**
Griffin, who served as White House Communications Director for part of 2020, resigned because she was uncomfortable with the direction the administration was taking regarding the election results. She has since criticized Trump’s messaging as “creepy” and “infantilizing,” warning that he may attempt to “steal the election” again.
These former insiders have provided pointed critiques of Trump, collectively expressing significant concerns about his conduct and suitability for the presidency, reflecting a growing discontent among those who once stood by him.
