This article has been revised to eliminate a reference to an anonymous source report.

John Kelly, the former chief of staff at the White House, has made statements regarding Donald Trump, the candidate for the 2024 presidential election, suggesting that he embodies characteristics of fascism.

A retired Marine Corps general, Kelly previously served as Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary before holding the position of chief of staff longer than anyone else. Following concerns about Trump’s remarks implying that the military could be utilized to confront an “enemy within,” Kelly participated in interviews with The New York Times, which published his comments on Tuesday. Kelly criticized Trump for lacking a grasp of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Kelly explained to the Times, “Looking at the definition of fascism… It’s a far-right authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology with a dictatorial leader, centralized power, militarism, suppression of opposition, and belief in social hierarchy.”

“In my experience, those are precisely the aspects he believes would be effective in managing America,” Kelly stated. “So yes, he certainly aligns with the broader definition of fascist.”

Kelly Claims Trump Spoke Favorably About Hitler

In his statements to the Times, Kelly remarked: “In many instances, I find some of his policies agreeable… But again, electing the incorrect person to a high position can lead to very dangerous consequences.”

Kelly also acknowledged that Trump has made comments expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler.

“He has mentioned on multiple occasions that, ‘You know, Hitler did some good things, too,’” Kelly recounted to the Times.

Kelly further recounted that Trump had previously disparaged American soldiers who were injured or lost their lives in service, labeling them as “losers” and “suckers,” a reference to a 2020 article from The Atlantic.

“I could never comprehend why he holds such views — he may be the only American who feels that way about those who have sacrificed for our country,” Kelly shared with the Times.

Harris Campaign Responds

The campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris reacted to Kelly’s statements on Wednesday.

Kevin Carroll, a retired Army Reserve Colonel and former senior adviser to Gen. Kelly, stated during a Harris campaign press call that Kelly’s comments were a significant move, describing him as “a committed, thoughtful public servant.”

“He has witnessed Donald Trump firsthand in a way that only a select few Americans have, and he warns us that a second term for Trump could be perilous,” Carroll commented.

Trump Responds to Kelly’s Remarks

Kelly’s time in the White House was marked by challenges, despite his efforts to impose Marine Corps-like discipline within the administration. After Kelly left, Trump expressed his discontent, asserting that he struggled to meet the job’s demands.

“John Kelly has utterly embarrassed himself with these falsified stories that he has concocted, as he did not adequately support his President during his Chief of Staff tenure and now suffers from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized in a statement to YSL News.

“President Trump has consistently honored the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, while Kamala Harris has shown complete disregard for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including those from the Abbey Gate 13,” the statement continued, referring to the 13 American service members killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport in August 2021, a topic that Trump’s team has increasingly connected to Harris leading up to the election.