### Former DHS Official Condemns Trump's "Authoritarian Tendencies"

A high-profile former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official under the Trump administration has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump, labeling him as leaning toward authoritarianism and ignoring the rule of law. Elizabeth Neumann, who previously served as the deputy chief of staff of the DHS and assistant secretary for threat prevention and security policy, echoed the alarming sentiments of other key figures, including Trump’s former chief of staff, Marine Gen. John Kelly.

In a recent interview with POLITICO, Neumann expressed her agreement with Kelly's controversial assessment that Trump is unfit for office, highlighting his authoritarian inclinations and ultra-nationalist rhetoric. "Does he have authoritarian tendencies? Yes," Neumann stated. She indicated that Trump's brand of nationalism is reshaping the Republican Party.

The remarks from Neumann and Kelly are amplifying the campaign arguments of Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has leveraged these statements to frame Trump as dangerously unfit for a second term, emphasizing his potential to abuse power. “Donald Trump is increasingly unhinged and unstable,” Harris warned in her remarks outside her residence.

Recently, Harris' campaign focused sharply on this theme, releasing a TV ad targeting battleground states, underscoring what they argue is the imminent danger of a Trump second term. The vice president’s campaign has also collaborated with Republican former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney on a series of events warning voters about Trump’s authoritarian threats.

Trump’s extreme rhetoric has notably escalated in his third presidential bid. He has vilified political opponents, labeled immigrants in dehumanizing terms, and voiced intentions to exert “extreme power” if re-elected. These statements have drawn comparisons to fascist and Nazi ideology from experts in political rhetoric, further intensifying the campaign’s opposition narrative.

Harris plans to address these concerns in an upcoming speech at the Ellipse, highlighting the risks of Trump's return to power. Internal polling and a national NPR/PBS News/Marist survey indicate a significant portion of voters, including independents and Republicans, consider preserving democracy a crucial factor in their voting decisions.

While the Trump campaign has dismissed these attacks, accusing Harris of inciting violence and branding her rhetoric as falsehoods, the ongoing criticisms from figures with close connections to Trump, like Kelly and Neumann, continue to fuel the debate.

As the election approaches, Harris' team is banking on the increasing public discontent over Trump's behavior to sway undecided voters. Democratic strategists believe that portraying Harris as a stable leader in contrast to Trump’s instability could be a decisive factor in the tight race.