Few senior administration officials have spent more time behind closed doors in the White House with President Donald J. Trump than former Marine General John F. Kelly, the president’s longest-serving chief of staff.
As Election Day approaches, Mr. Kelly is deeply troubled by Mr. Trump’s recent comments about deploying the military against domestic adversaries, and has revealed three conversations he had with a New York Times reporter about the former president. I consented to being audio-recorded. He offered some of the most far-reaching comments yet on Trump’s suitability and character.
Kelly served as Secretary of Homeland Security under Trump before moving to the White House in July 2017. For nearly a year and a half, he worked hard to implement Trump’s policies. This period was turbulent, and he attracted internal criticism about his performance and at times became disillusioned and distressed by actions on the part of the president, which he considered inappropriate and did not reflect an understanding of the Constitution.
In the interview, Kerry expanded on concerns he had previously expressed, emphasizing his view that voters should consider a candidate’s suitability and character more than their issue positions when choosing a president.
“In many cases, I would agree with some of his policies,” he said, stressing that as a former military member he is not endorsing any candidate. “But again, it’s very dangerous to have the wrong person elected to high office.”
