It’s a steady stream at this point
As Election Day nears, there is no letup in the steady stream of individuals with special insight into Donald Trump warning the public about the dangers of a second term. Whether the warnings come from people who have worked closely with Trump in the White House or experts in fields such as economics, healthcare, or psychology, we all should pay attention.
John Kelly, Trump’s former Chief of Staff and a retired four-star general, recently made headlines when he told The New York Times that Trump praised Adolph Hitler, has no understanding of the Constitution, and fits the definition of a fascist. On Thursday, 13 former Trump White House officials released an open letter supporting Kelly’s characterization of Trump.
“This is who Donald Trump is,” they wrote, adding that they were “sadly not surprised” by Kelly’s comments, given their similar experience working alongside Trump. Nevertheless, the officials described Kelly’s comments as “disturbing and shocking.” The signers pointed out that they are “all lifelong Republicans who served our country.” However, they are in one of those “moments in history where it becomes necessary to put country over party.”
Also on Thursday, 233 mental health professionals signed an open letter, which appeared as a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, warning that Trump is “an existential threat to democracy.” The letter, organized by attorney and Trump critic George Conway’s Anti-Psychopath PAC, calls Trump “grossly unfit for leadership,” then details Trump’s “severe symptoms.” The signers end by citing their “desperate duty to warn our fellow citizens of this imminent catastrophic danger before it’s too late.”
Each time a new group of people sounds the alarm on Trump, it is a frightening reminder of how unusual this election season is and how much is at stake on November 5. In just one day, Republicans who worked with Trump and top mental health professionals separately warned voters about the stark choice that awaits us in less than two weeks. On Election Day, we will all have the chance to step forward and make our voices heard.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month