//Ex-Trump Aides Rally Behind John Kelly, Warning of Risks in a Potential Second Trump Term//

A group of former Trump administration officials, including high-profile figures like John Kelly, has stepped forward with grave concerns about a potential second term for Donald Trump, labeling his leadership style as dictatorial and questioning his respect for constitutional limits. This warning, outlined in a letter shared exclusively with POLITICO, amplifies the cautionary tone General Kelly used in recent statements describing Trump as a threat to democratic norms.

Then-chief of staff John Kelly looks on as then-President Donald Trump meets with North Korean defectors at the White House in 2018.

Former Allies Sound the Alarm//

More than a dozen former Trump officials signed the letter, declaring that General Kelly’s characterizations of Trump’s leadership align with their own experiences. “This is who Donald Trump is,” the letter states, applauding Kelly for "highlighting in stark details the danger of a second Trump term.” Signatories include former senior counselor Kevin Carroll, former deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews, and former Homeland Security official Elizabeth Neumann, each of whom worked closely with Trump and understands the potential risks if he returns to power.

These former aides describe themselves as lifelong Republicans, but they emphasize that Trump’s perceived disregard for constitutional checks makes it “necessary to put country over party.” 

Kamala Harris Takes Aim//

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has been quick to integrate Kelly’s warnings into their messaging. Harris has argued that Trump’s “unchecked power” ambitions resonate with independents and Republicans who question his fitness for office. Recent Harris campaign polling suggests independent voters are increasingly concerned about Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, with many viewing Kelly as credible and trustworthy.

Digital and TV Ads in Battleground States//

The Harris campaign is capitalizing on these concerns with a series of ads targeting battleground states, showcasing Kelly’s statements and reminding voters of Trump’s polarizing Jan. 6 comments, which Trump once described as a “day of love.” Harris also appeared on CNN, comparing Kelly’s remarks to a “911 call to the American people,” urging them to consider the potential impact of Trump’s return to office on democratic norms.

A Broader Republican Shift?//

The release of the letter coincides with a trend among Republicans who are breaking with their party to support Harris. Former Michigan Rep. Fred Upton and the GOP mayor of Waukesha, Wisconsin, recently joined those speaking out against Trump’s return to power. These endorsements add to the bipartisan coalition Harris’s team is building to highlight what they describe as the risks posed by a second Trump term.

Trump and Campaign Response//

Unsurprisingly, Trump responded with characteristic scorn, calling Kelly a “lowlife” and “total degenerate” on Truth Social. Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung dismissed Kelly’s statements as "fabricated," accusing him of holding a grudge. The Trump team argued that these former aides’ criticisms are rooted in personal bias rather than credible concerns.

A Key Issue for Voters//

Amid this unfolding drama, a Wall Street Journal poll reveals Trump’s high marks on issues like the economy and immigration, but also notes that more voters perceive him as “too extreme.” This perception, alongside Kelly’s warnings, could sway undecided voters, particularly in key battleground states where the Harris campaign is focusing its efforts.

As Election Day approaches, Harris will deliver a speech at the Ellipse on the National Mall, where Trump held a rally before the Capitol riots. The event, designed to highlight bipartisan fears over Trump’s return to office, will be a defining moment in Harris’s bid to make her case to the American people.