Kelly confirms Trump disparaged service members and attacks his contempt for constitutional government

Reporting and findings

1. reported

   Kelly told CNN that Trump called wounded and fallen service members losers and suckers, admired autocrats, showed contempt for democratic institutions and the rule of law, and suggested General Mark Milley deserved execution. Kelly said he witnessed the conduct. Trump had denied the military remarks and his representatives attacked Kelly's credibility; Kelly's statements are an attributed eyewitness account, not an adjudicated fact.

   • CNN: John Kelly confirms accounts of Trump's statements about service members and democratic institutionsKelly's complete statement, service-member accounts, autocrat and rule-of-law warnings, and context
   • Associated Press: Former Trump officials are among the most vocal opponents of his returnIndependent summary of Kelly break and Trump response pattern