NYT Interview: Michael S. Schmidt with former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly | 10.22.24

Notes:

        
Interview Summary: Michael S. Schmidt with John Kelly 

Audio Sourced From: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/22/us/politics/john-kelly-trump-fitness-character.html

Key Revelations

On Fascist Tendencies

- Kelly explicitly characterized the former president as fitting "the general definition of fascist," citing traits including far-right authoritarianism and admiration for dictators

- Described him as someone who would "love to be" a dictator if given the opportunity, comparing it to his business management style

- Expressed serious concern about the former president's statements regarding using military against American citizens

On Constitutional Understanding

- Indicated the former president showed little appreciation for the Constitution or American history

- Noted he frequently attempted to exceed his presidential authority

- Described his frustration with constitutional checks and balances

- Revealed he regularly had to check with White House counsel about the legality of presidential directives

On Military and Service

- Disclosed disturbing attitudes toward military service and veterans:

  - Expressed disdain for being seen with wounded veterans, particularly amputees

  - Repeatedly referred to fallen service members as "losers" and "suckers"

  - Could not understand why people would serve selflessly, always questioning "what's in it for them"

On Hitler Comments

- Revealed the former president made multiple positive comments about Hitler

- Kelly had to explain why such statements were inappropriate and historically incorrect

- Noted the former president's limited understanding of historical context

On Leadership Style

- Described an expectation that subordinates would break or circumvent laws

- Highlighted a pattern of rejecting American values and constitutional principles

- Noted a preference for authoritarian approaches to governance

Kelly's Concluding Thoughts

- While not identifying the former president as the single biggest threat to America, characterized him as the only president in Kelly's lifetime who has "rejected what America is all about"

- Emphasized the importance of character in leadership

- Called for national reconciliation, urging Americans to "stop hating each other just because we have a difference of opinion on political issues"

- Expressed hope for the country to "become friends again" while acknowledging uncertainty about whether this is possible

Context

This interview represents significant public commentary from John Kelly, who served as White House Chief of Staff and maintained relative silence about many of these matters until now. His decision to speak was apparently prompted by recent statements about using military force against American citizens.