A group of former Republican officials have come forward to denounce Donald Trump as a “danger to national security,” labeling him unfit for the office of President. These officials, once loyal to the GOP, have publicly broken with their party to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The endorsement marks a significant moment in American politics, highlighting the deep fractures within the Republican Party and growing concern over the possibility of Trump regaining power.
Ex-Republicans Speak Out
The group, comprised of several former high-ranking Republican officials and lawmakers, includes figures who served in key national security and foreign policy positions during past administrations. In a joint statement released to the media, they cited their grave concerns over Trump’s erratic behavior, disregard for democratic norms, and repeated undermining of U.S. institutions as reasons for their stance.
“We have watched in horror as Donald Trump has repeatedly shown a willingness to place his personal interests above the interests of the country,” the statement read. “His disregard for national security, open admiration of authoritarian regimes, and reckless approach to foreign policy make him a clear and present danger to the safety of the United States.”
Among the prominent figures in the group are former members of the Department of Defense, the CIA, and the State Department, many of whom worked closely with Trump during his tenure in the White House. Their disillusionment with Trump grew over time, particularly following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, which they view as a pivotal moment that exposed Trump’s willingness to subvert democracy to remain in power.
Trump’s National Security Record Under Scrutiny
The statement also pointed to specific incidents during Trump’s presidency that raised alarms within the national security community. Among these were Trump’s attempts to withhold military aid from Ukraine in exchange for political favors, his handling of sensitive classified information, and his cozy relationship with autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un.
The group particularly emphasized Trump’s unpredictable approach to foreign policy, which they argue destabilized global alliances and undermined America’s standing on the world stage. “From alienating NATO allies to emboldening hostile nations, Donald Trump has systematically weakened America’s global position, leaving us more vulnerable than ever before,” the statement said.
One former Republican official remarked, “We are not only concerned about the policies he implemented but also the real threat of what a second Trump term could look like, especially now that he feels less constrained by democratic norms.”
The Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In a stunning political development, the ex-Republicans not only denounced Trump but also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as their preferred candidate for the presidency in 2024. While some have previously backed President Joe Biden, citing his calm leadership and restoration of normalcy in American politics, the group believes that Harris represents the future of American leadership.
Kamala Harris, who has long championed civil rights, law enforcement reform, and national security issues, is seen as a stabilizing figure by the group. In their endorsement, they praised her experience as a former prosecutor, her work on intelligence and security matters as a U.S. Senator, and her current role as Vice President.
“Vice President Harris has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear understanding of the complex national security challenges facing the United States,” the statement read. “She has the experience, integrity, and steady hand needed to navigate these perilous times and restore trust in American institutions.”
Harris’ campaign has not officially responded to the endorsement, but it is expected to amplify her appeal to moderate voters and disaffected Republicans who are uncomfortable with Trump’s influence over the GOP.
Growing Republican Divide
The move by these former Republicans signals a deepening divide within the GOP, as a number of prominent Republicans have grown increasingly uneasy with Trump’s dominance over the party. Some of them have already formed coalitions to back moderate Democrats or independents in upcoming elections, citing the need for a return to bipartisanship and democratic values.
For Trump’s supporters, however, this will likely be dismissed as another attack by the so-called “deep state” or establishment Republicans, whom they view as part of the political elite that has consistently undermined Trump’s agenda.
As the 2024 election nears, the stark divisions within both parties have become increasingly clear. The endorsement of Kamala Harris by a group of former Republican national security officials is a striking reflection of the political realignment taking place in the United States. As the country grapples with unprecedented challenges, the endorsement brings to the forefront a question that will likely shape the election: can the nation afford another Trump presidency?
For the ex-Republicans who have spoken out, the answer is a resounding no. In their view, the risks posed by a Trump return to power are too great, and Kamala Harris represents a safer, more reliable alternative for America’s future.