Kelly backs Mattis's warning over using troops against domestic protesters
Reporting and findings
- reported
Kelly publicly agreed with Mattis after Trump threatened military deployment against domestic demonstrations and federal officers cleared Lafayette Square. Kelly stopped short of every phrase in Mattis's statement but said the country should choose leaders more carefully and emphasized that officials must follow the Constitution. Trump responded by attacking both former generals.
- CBS News: John Kelly agrees with Mattis and says the nation must choose leaders more wiselyKelly agreement, leadership warning, military context, and Trump response
Summary and current status
The former chief of staff urged voters to scrutinize character and agreed with the defense secretary's constitutional concern.
Publicly separated from Trump on leadership and military use
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump network root
- John Kellyformer Trump White House chief of staff
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpformer White House chief of staffJohn Kelly