In a significant endorsement ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, a group of 10 retired high-ranking military officials have publicly backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the only candidate fit to serve as the nation’s commander in chief.
The endorsement, revealed in a letter on Monday, was signed by prominent military figures, including Retired General Larry Ellis and Retired Rear Admiral Michael Smith. They specifically criticized Harris’ Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, calling him “a danger to our national security and democracy.”
Criticism of Trump’s Military Record
The letter takes direct aim at Trump’s military record, citing his “chaotic approach” to the withdrawal from Afghanistan and his negotiations with the Taliban. Trump’s deal, which allowed 5,000 Taliban fighters to be released, was singled out as a critical failure, with the retired officials noting that the release of these fighters led to further destabilization in the region.
They also highlighted Trump’s history of disparaging military members and failing to leave a solid withdrawal plan following his departure from office in 2021. “Trump failed to take responsibility for his own role in putting service members in harm’s way,” the letter stated.
Harris Praised for National Security Leadership
In contrast, the retired military leaders praised Kamala Harris for her leadership in handling national security issues. “Harris is the best – and only – presidential candidate in this race who is fit to serve as our commander in chief,” they wrote. They emphasized her role in addressing critical global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific region, which have defined her tenure as vice president.
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The endorsement letter was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Harris’ campaign, and it comes at a critical moment as the race between Harris and Trump tightens before the November 5 election.
Campaign Ad Adds Weight to the Critique
The letter’s release coincides with a new Kamala Harris campaign ad featuring key former Trump officials, including Mike Pence, Mark Esper, and John Bolton, warning about the dangers of a second Trump term. The ad underscores the risks of Trump’s potential reelection, with former officials expressing doubts about his leadership.
“In 2016 Donald Trump said he would choose only the best people to work in his White House. Now, those people have a warning for America. Trump is not fit to be president again,” the ad declares.
A Nation Divided as the Election Nears
As the 2024 election approaches, the future of American democracy and national security has taken center stage. With Harris and Trump both facing intense scrutiny, the retired military leaders’ endorsement adds significant weight to the Democratic candidate’s national security credentials. The letter’s timing is particularly notable, as it comes a day before House Speaker Mike Johnson hosts a ceremony honoring the 13 service members killed during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, an event Republicans have frequently used to criticize Harris.
With the November election looming and national security at the forefront, the endorsement of Kamala Harris by top military leaders may serve as a pivotal moment in a race that is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in modern American history. Both candidates are set to face off in a highly anticipated debate on Tuesday night, where the future of US leadership and security will undoubtedly be hotly contested.
