By William J. Furney
Former US president Donald Trump has stoked outrage once again with revelations that he allegedly praised Adolf Hitler during his presidency. Retired General John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, told CNN that Trump once said Hitler “did some good things.” When pressed, Trump pointed to Hitler’s role in rebuilding the German economy, seemingly overlooking the atrocities committed under the Nazi regime.
The statement is part of a larger pattern of Trump’s admiration for authoritarian figures, which he often expresses both privately and on the campaign trail. As Trump vies for a return to the White House in the upcoming 2024 election, several of his former senior advisers have sounded the alarm, warning that his admiration for dictators could drastically reshape US foreign policy if he secures another term.
Despots and Dictators
Trump has long praised authoritarian leaders, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Kelly recalled Trump’s attitude towards dictators, saying, “To him, it was like we were goading these guys. If we didn’t have NATO, then Putin wouldn’t be doing these things.”
While hosting Orbán at his Mar-a-Lago residence earlier this year, Trump reiterated his high opinion of the Hungarian leader, calling him “fantastic” and “a great leader.” Trump has also expressed similar sentiments about Putin, Xi and Kim, describing them as strong, decisive figures who command respect from their nations. His fascination with these leaders, say analysts, appears to stem from his admiration for their absolute power, which he feels is lacking in US leadership.
John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, described on CNN the former president’s mindset: “He likes dealing with other big guys, and big guys like Erdogan in Turkey get to put people in jail and you don’t have to ask anybody’s permission. He kind of likes that.”
The Hitler Comment
The most startling aspect of Trump’s praise for authoritarian figures, however, is his alleged positive remarks about Adolf Hitler. Kelly recounted how Trump had attempted to justify his admiration for the Nazi leader by citing his economic policies. “He said, ‘Well, but Hitler did some good things,’” Kelly recalled. “I said, ‘What?’ And he said, ‘Well, [Hitler] rebuilt the economy.’”
Kelly, appalled by the statement, challenged Trump on his interpretation of history, reminding him of the horrors Hitler inflicted on millions of people. Kelly said he urged Trump never to speak positively about Hitler, yet Trump’s admiration for the dictator’s grip on power appeared undiminished. Kelly added, “He truly believed, when he brought us generals in, that we would be loyal — that we would do anything he wanted us to do.”
Trump’s former advisers have grown increasingly concerned about the implications of a second Trump term. Kelly voiced particular concerns about Trump’s admiration for dictatorial powers, suggesting that Trump might attempt to erode democratic norms in favour of consolidating power. “He was shocked that he didn’t have dictatorial-type powers to send US forces places or to move money around,” Kelly remarked. “He looked at Putin and Xi and that nutcase in North Korea as people who were like him in terms of being a tough guy.”
Dangerous Foreign Policy Shifts
Trump’s continued praise of strongmen has led to widespread concern that his foreign policy, should he win in 2024, would fundamentally shift US global standing. Bolton warned that Trump could pull the US out of NATO, a long-standing defence alliance that has helped maintain stability in Europe and the broader international community. “NATO would be in real jeopardy,” Bolton said. “I think he would try to get out.”
Kelly said Trump saw little value in NATO or other defence alliances. During his presidency, Trump reportedly questioned why the US maintained troops in places like South Korea and Japan, essential deterrents against aggressive regimes. Kelly added, “He was just dead set against having troops in South Korea… or having troops in Japan.”
Trump’s fondness for dictators also extended to his dealings with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. In 2019, Trump famously met Kim at the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas, in what was seen by many as a diplomatic stunt. According to Matthew Pottinger, Trump’s former deputy national security adviser, Trump believed in the power of his personal charisma to sway leaders like Kim. Pottinger noted, “He had almost unlimited faith in it. That was as true with Kim as it was with Xi.”
Trump’s advisers fear that in a second term, the former president would place personal relationships with strongmen above long-established alliances with democratic nations. Kelly remarked, “US support for Ukraine would end,” pointing to the risk of Trump’s foreign policy undermining efforts to counter authoritarian aggression.
The Battle for 2024
As Trump campaigns for the 2024 election, his stance on authoritarianism could become a defining issue. His supporters see him as a strong leader unafraid to challenge the status quo, while his critics argue that his admiration for dictators poses a threat to democracy.
Despite the warnings from former advisers, Trump remains unapologetic about his views. When asked about the allegations, his campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, dismissed Kelly and Bolton’s concerns, accusing them of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Cheung said, “They need to seek professional help because their hatred is consuming their empty lives.”
With the presidential election less than two weeks away, the question remains: will Trump’s embrace of authoritarianism cost him support among voters or solidify his position as a champion of tough, uncompromising leadership? The outcome of the election could have profound consequences for the future of US foreign policy and the country’s role on the global stage.
- Photograph: EFE.