Just over three years ago, The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg published a staggering report on Donald Trump, his denigration of those who serve in the military, and his condemnation of fallen American heroes as “suckers” and “losers.”
Trump, still President then, was quick to respond, pushing back, and insisting the whole thing was “made up“ and a “fake story.” Mr. Trump, in response to the quotes attributed to him, said, at a Labor Day press conference, “Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say things like that.” Classic Trumpian denial.
So much so, even at the time, aside from Trump loyalists, the defense was hard to believe. Adding to the incredulousness of it all, much of The Atlantic’s reporting was corroborated by related reporting from The Associated Press, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and even Fox News.
Never doubt, Trump’s most avid advocates, defenders, and supporters denied it for him. They pointed to some Fox News segment in which a conservative on-air personality refuted or was said to have refuted the allegation. And that…was good enough for them. Even recently, after the Fox conglomerate had to pay out over three quarters of a billion dollars for less than truthful reporting…they still report stories in such a way that is music to their listeners’ ears.
However, now…we know, three hence, it’s also been confirmed by Trump’s former White House chief of staff. CNN reported:
John Kelly, the longest-serving White House chief of staff for Donald Trump, offered harsh and direct on-the-record criticism of the former president in an exclusive statement to CNN.
Kelly confirmed and verified several damning stories about statements Trump made behind closed doors attacking US service members and veterans, listing a number of objectionable comments he witnessed Trump make firsthand.
CNN asked Kelly if he wanted to weigh in on Trump, on the record. Kelly responded, “What can I add that has not already been said? A person that thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POWs are all ‘suckers’ because ‘there is nothing in it for them.’ A person that did not want to be seen in the presence of military amputees because ‘it doesn’t look good for me.’ A person who demonstrated open contempt for a Gold Star family — for all Gold Star families — on TV during the 2016 campaign, and rants that our most precious heroes who gave their lives in America’s defense are ‘losers’ and wouldn’t visit their graves in France.
“A person who is not truthful regarding his position on the protection of unborn life, on women, on minorities, on evangelical Christians, on Jews, on working men and women, A person that has no idea what America stands for and has no idea what America is all about. A person who cavalierly suggests that a selfless warrior who has served his country for 40 years in peacetime and war should lose his life for treason — in expectation that someone will take action. A person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators. A person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law.
There is nothing more that can be said. God help us.”
CNN, in turn, sought comment from Trump’s political operation. Trump’s campaign responded by going after retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley, “who had nothing to do with this story.” Typical deflection and obfuscation by his camp.
After Trump left the White House, John Kelly, the man who served as the Republican president’s chief of staff for 17 months, has struggled to contain his contempt for his former boss. Over the last couple of years, the retired Marine general, who also served as Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, has accused Trump of, among other things, “poisoning” people’s minds, having “serious character issues,” and not being “a real man.” One wonders why the General is so inclined to hold back.
It should also be noted, however, Kelly has also raised concerns about Trump’s abuses while in office. Last fall, Kelly told the Times that Trump, during his presidency, told his chief of staff to “use the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department to target his critics and perceived political foes.” Apparently, the former president is as adept at projection, as he is deflection.
Now, Kelly is going even further, confirming that the former president, while in office, disparaged troops, veterans, and their families.
Trump’s followers reflexively distrust his opponents…and anyone who isn’t foursquare for him, 24/7/365, is considered an opponent…but it is worth noting that Kelly isn’t a pundit, scholar, or elected official — he’s a guy Trump personally tapped to oversee his White House, and lauded…until he didn’t.
He’s also a guy who appears desperate to warn the public about the former’s president’s character. Sadly, methinks, it may be too little, too late. “Unnamed Source No More: General Kelly Steps Up!”
I’m done; holla back!
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