Trump’s former chief of staff says he fits ‘fascist’ definition and prefers ‘dictator approach’

In a recent interview, John Kelly, who served as Donald Trump's White House chief of staff, expressed strong opinions about Trump’s leadership style. Kelly articulated that Trump aligns with the definition of fascism, which he described as a far-right, authoritarian political ideology. He highlighted Trump’s admiration for dictatorial governance, indicating that Trump favors an approach where a singular authority exercises significant control without concern for legal constraints. Additionally, Kelly noted Trump’s lack of understanding regarding constitutional principles, emphasizing that the loyalty of government officials should lie with the Constitution, rather than with the president personally. Kelly also referred to alarming rhetoric from Trump, which included comments about an "enemy within" and the potential use of military force against political rivals. He warned that even suggesting such actions for electoral gains is dangerous and represents a troubling mentality for a presidential candidate. Kelly revealed that there were instances where Trump spoke favorably about historical figures like Adolf Hitler, mentioning that he remarked on the dictator having "done some good things." As the U.S. approaches an election where Trump is a front-runner against Vice President Kamala Harris, Kelly's statements, reflecting his concerns about Trump's approach to governance, come as significant warnings towards the potential implications for American democracy. The interview has sparked controversy, particularly among Trump’s supporters, who argue that Kelly's claims diminish his own credibility as a former aide. These discussions reveal deeper concerns about the political climate in the U.S. and how Trump's return to office could drastically alter the fabric of governance and civil liberties.