Former President Donald Trump, a figure never far from controversy, is once again at the heart of a political storm due to a new book by a CNN journalist featuring claims by Trump’s former chief of staff, General John Kelly. The book alleges that during his time in the White House, Trump praised Hitler’s economic policies and expressed admiration for several autocratic leaders.
According to General Kelly, Trump claimed that Hitler “did some good things,” citing the Nazi leader’s actions in rebuilding Germany’s economy. Kelly recounted pushing back, highlighting Hitler’s use of that economy to wage war and commit atrocities. “But what did he do with that rebuilt economy?” Kelly reminded Trump, “He turned it against his own people and against the world.” Kelly emphasized to the former president, “Sir, you can never say anything good about the guy. Nothing.”
The book paints a picture of a president enamored with the perceived strength and absolute power of autocrats. From expressing that Putin was “an OK guy” to admiring Kim Jong Un, Trump’s alleged comments reverse the stance of traditional US foreign policy and raise concerns about his worldview should he win another term.
The book, titled “The Return of Great Powers,” provides insight from multiple former senior Trump advisers, including National Security Adviser John Bolton and Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Pottinger, who echoed similar sentiments about Trump’s fascination with dictatorial leaders. They argue that Trump envies the unrestricted power of figures like Putin , which raises flags about how a second Trump term might reshape the US’ role on the global stage, including its commitments to NATO and defense alliances.
Adding to the controversy, Trump has downplayed the significance of NATO and expressed a desire to reduce US troops in strategic locations like South Korea and Japan, which serve as deterrent forces. His stance on NATO and reported admiration for Putin are particularly concerning given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and global security implications.
Allegedly, Trump also lamented that his generals were not as loyal to him as Hitler’s were to the Nazi leader. Kelly recalls Trump’s shock upon realizing that unlike the authoritarian rulers he admired, he did not have dictatorial powers within the US government—a shock that the former president apparently never overcame.
In response to these allegations, Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, attacked the credibility of Kelly and Bolton, suggesting they are suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and their “hatred is consuming their empty lives.” However, the book’s claims have reignited discourse about Trump’s authoritarian tendencies as he continues to be a major figure on the political stage, with the 2024 presidential election looming ahead.
Relevant articles:
– Donald Trump said Adolf Hitler “did some good things” and praised Vladimir Putin on more than one occasion during his time in the White House, his former chief of staff has claimed.
– Trump former advisers sound the alarm that he praises despots in private and on the campaign trail, CNN, Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:13:00 GMT
– Aide tried to stop Trump praising Hitler – by telling him Mussolini was ‘great guy’, The Guardian, Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:42:00 GMT
– Ex-Trump chief of staff John Kelly backs claim ex-prez praised Hitler: ‘Did some good things’, New York Post, Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:58:00 GMT