Retired Marine general John Kelly, who served as Donald Trump's White House chief of staff, recently made headlines with his comments on the former president. In an interview with The New York Times, Kelly stated that Trump fits into the general definition of a fascist and prefers a dictatorial approach to government.
During the recorded interview, Kelly referenced a definition of fascism he found online, describing it as a far-right authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, and belief in a natural social hierarchy. Kelly noted that Trump's beliefs and actions align with these characteristics.
Kelly further emphasized that Trump falls into the far-right area, displays authoritarian tendencies, and openly admires dictators. These statements from a former top official in the Trump administration come at a critical time, just two weeks before Election Day, as Trump seeks to return to the Oval Office.
In response to Kelly's remarks, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung dismissed them as fabricated stories driven by what he referred to as 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' Cheung criticized Kelly for allegedly failing to serve Trump well during his tenure as Chief of Staff.
The interview and subsequent reactions highlight the ongoing political tensions surrounding Trump's leadership style and the upcoming election. Kelly's assessment of Trump as fitting the definition of a fascist adds another layer to the complex dynamics within the Republican party and the broader political landscape.
