Retired General Mark Milley Labels Trump ‘A Fascist to the Core’ in New Book

Retired Army General Mark Milley, who served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, has made stark criticisms of Trump in an upcoming book by journalist Bob Woodward. In the book titled “War,” Milley describes Trump as a “total fascist” and “fascist to the core,” highlighting his deep concerns about Trump’s authoritarian impulses and the danger he poses to the United States.

Milley’s comments to Woodward reflect his fears about Trump’s behavior, particularly his declarations of seeking vengeance against political adversaries. Trump has often told his supporters that he is their “retribution,” which Milley sees as a clear indication of fascist tendencies. Milley also expressed his fear of being summoned from retirement to face court-martial if Trump were to win the upcoming election, citing threats from individuals like Steve Bannon, who has stated that they would “hold him accountable”.

The book recounts a tense discussion in the Oval Office involving Milley, Trump, and then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, where Trump sought retribution against retired Navy Admiral William McRaven for his public criticism. Milley managed to calm Trump down but later advised McRaven and other former military leaders to avoid public criticism of Trump to avoid his wrath.

Milley’s views are not isolated; other military officials, such as retired Marine General John Kelly, have also criticized Trump’s authoritarian leanings. Kelly recalled that Trump suggested generals should emulate the loyalty of German generals under Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Robert Paxton, a leading scholar on fascism, has also revised his stance on Trump, now labeling him a fascist following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Paxton believes Trump’s actions to overturn the election results crossed a red line, making the fascist label both acceptable and necessary.

Milley’s warnings about Trump’s potential return to power are underscored by his belief that Trump lacks the guardrails that restrained his worst impulses during his first term. Milley fears that if Trump is re-elected, he will start throwing people in jail at his discretion, with critics like himself being high on the list.