Just a short time ago, Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris delivered a brief, three-minute address outside her residence in Washington, DC.
She made several allegations against her opponent, former President Donald Trump, including claims that he had expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler's generals. These allegations, which Harris did not substantiate, were based on an article published in The Atlantic on Tuesday.
"Trump's former chief of staff, John Kelly, a retired four-star general, confirmed that while Donald Trump was president, he said he wanted generals like Adolf Hitler had," Harris stated. This claim, however, has been disputed by several individuals, including former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, according to The Post Millennial.
Harris continued her critique of Trump, suggesting that his alleged admiration for Hitler's generals was indicative of a desire for personal loyalty over constitutional fidelity within the military. "Donald Trump said that because he does not want a military that is loyal to the United States Constitution. He wants a military that is loyal to him. He wants a military who will be loyal to him personally, one that will obey his orders even when he tells them to break the law or abandon their oath to the Constitution of the United States," she said.
The Vice President further accused Trump of labeling his fellow Americans as 'the enemy from within,' and suggested that he would use the United States military against American citizens. She claimed that Trump's definition of 'the enemy from within' included anyone who dared to criticize him, such as judges, journalists, and non-partisan election officials.
Harris also expressed deep concern over Trump's alleged invocation of Adolf Hitler. "It is deeply troubling and incredibly dangerous that Donald Trump would invoke Adolf Hitler, the man who is responsible for the deaths of 6 million Jews and hundreds of thousands of Americans. All of this is further evidence for the American people of who Donald Trump really is," she stated.
In her address, Harris painted a picture of Trump as a potential dictator, citing John Kelly's words as evidence. "And it is clear from John Kelly's words that Donald Trump is someone who, I quote, 'certainly falls into the general definition of fascists,' who in fact vowed to be a dictator on day one and vowed to use the military as his personal militia to carry out his personal and political vendettas," she said.
Harris concluded her remarks by warning of the dangers of a second Trump term, suggesting that there would be no one left to curb his worst impulses. "Donald Trump is increasingly unhinged and unstable," she said, "and in a second term, people like John Kelly would not be there to be the guard rails against his propensities and his actions. Those who once tried to stop him from pursuing his worst impulses would no longer be there and no longer be there to rein him in."
The Atlantic article that Harris referenced, but did not name, alleged that Trump had expressed a desire for "the kind of generals that Hitler had." The article also claimed that Trump had offered financial assistance for the funeral of a slain Army private, only to later complain about the cost. However, the family of the private refuted these claims, with the sister of the deceased stating, "President Donald Trump did nothing but show respect to my family & Vanessa. In fact, I voted for President Trump today."
The Atlantic article also claimed that Trump had said, "I need the kind of generals that Hitler had." However, the author noted that others had told him this claim was "absolutely false" and that "Trump never said this." The article further claimed that John Kelly had informed Trump about the history of the Third Reich, after Trump had allegedly asked him, "why can't you be like the German generals?"
Harris's allegations about Trump's comments regarding "the enemy within" come as the election draws to a close. Trump has indeed criticized former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California congressman Adam Schiff, both of whom have attempted to impeach him and aid those seeking his criminal prosecution. Trump has accused Pelosi of failing to protect the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and has expressed regret for not calling in the National Guard.
Harris's brief remarks, refusal to answer questions, and new rhetoric appear to be a strategic move to sway voters in her favor as the election approaches. However, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the final outcome of the election.
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