In an era marked by political upheaval and intense scrutiny, few individuals have occupied the hallowed halls of the White House with as much proximity to President Donald J. Trump as John F. Kelly, the former Marine general who served as his longest-tenured chief of staff. As Election Day looms on the horizon, Kelly, visibly perturbed by Trump’s recent rhetoric advocating for military action against domestic adversaries, has chosen to engage in a candid, on-the-record dialogue with a journalist. This marks a rare opportunity to glean insights from Kelly regarding Trump’s character and qualifications for leadership.
Kelly, who previously held the role of Homeland Security Secretary before transitioning to chief of staff in July 2017, endeavored to implement Trump’s diverse agenda for nearly a year and a half—a tumultuous period that involved navigating both internal dissent and a growing disillusionment with the president’s behavior. His tenure was fraught with instances that occasioned criticism not only of his own management style but also a profound discomfort stemming from what he perceived as Trump’s lack of adherence to constitutional principles.
In these interviews, Kelly elucidated his previously articulated apprehensions, advocating for voters to prioritize character and fitness in presidential candidates—a sentiment he considers paramount, even overshadowing specific policy positions. “In many cases, I would agree with some of his policies,” he remarked, emphasizing that, as a former military officer, he doesn’t overtly endorse any candidate. “But again, it’s a very dangerous thing to have the wrong person elected to high office.” The weight of his words reverberates, urging the electorate to reflect deeply before casting their votes.
