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Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, who holds the record as Donald Trump's longest-serving White House chief of staff, has issued stern warnings about Trump potentially returning to power. In an interview with the New York Times, Kelly conveyed deep concerns regarding Trump's governing style, which he believes could resemble that of a dictator.

Kelly, now a prominent critic, highlighted Trump's lack of empathy and fundamental misunderstanding of the U.S. Constitution, among other serious issues. The retired general recalled instances where he had to correct Trump for making alarming statements, such as expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler. Kelly recounted Trump saying, "You know, Hitler did some good things, too."

These concerns aren’t new but take on heightened urgency as Trump continues to make controversial remarks. Recently, Trump suggested in a Fox News interview the use of the U.S. military against domestic adversaries, referring to them as "radical-left lunatics" and naming individuals like Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff as "enemies from within." According to Kelly, such rhetoric signals a dangerous inclination towards authoritarianism.

Amidst these controversies, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed Kelly’s statements, accusing him of fabricating stories due to his purported failure to effectively serve as Chief of Staff. Cheung claimed Kelly suffered from what he termed "Trump Derangement Syndrome."

In an additional interview with The Atlantic, Kelly shared more troubling memories, including Trump’s desire for "German generals" who would display unwavering loyalty, apparently in reference to Hitler's military leaders. Asked to clarify, Trump allegedly responded affirmatively, cementing Kelly’s fears about Trump's autocratic tendencies.

Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in, describing Kelly's revelations as evidence of Trump’s increasingly erratic and unstable behavior. Speaking from her official residence, she underscored the danger of Trump viewing any critics, including judges, journalists, and nonpartisan election officials, as "enemies from within."

Addressing previous reports, Kelly confirmed that Trump had indeed disparaged fallen U.S. soldiers as "losers and suckers," and avoided being seen with disabled veterans, deeming their presence as aesthetically unpleasing for him.

Kelly, who spent 46 years in the Marines, including service in the Vietnam War and during the rise of ISIS, retired in January 2016. He served as Trump’s Chief of Staff from July 2017 to January 2019 and was previously the Homeland Security Secretary. Initially seen as a stabilizing force within the Trump administration, Kelly’s tenure was marked by controversies, notably the policy of separating migrant children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Despite agreeing with many of Trump's policies, Kelly emphasized the importance of having the right person in high office, suggesting that the stakes are exceedingly high in determining the country’s leadership.