The scrutiny surrounding former President Donald Trump's potential military leadership has intensified, particularly with his nomination of Pete Hegseth for the position of defense secretary. Hegseth was flagged as a possible insider threat due to his 'Deus Vult' tattoo, which is associated with right-wing extremism. Concerns were raised by National Guard Master Sergeant DeRicko Gaither on January 14, 2021, just days before Biden's inauguration. Gaither's email indicated that Hegseth was seen as a potential extremist, particularly given his tattoos, including a Jerusalem Cross, which has been co-opted by far-right groups [178775b5].
In addition to Hegseth's controversial background, retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, who served as Trump's chief of staff, has described Trump as embodying the characteristics of a fascist leader. Kelly noted that Trump has expressed admiration for historical figures like Hitler, suggesting a desire for generals who would act with similar authoritarianism. This alarming behavior raises questions about Trump's understanding of military leadership and governance [ae5a620c].
The urgency of the upcoming election, just 11 days away as of October 26, 2024, adds to the tension surrounding Trump's military choices. Historical evidence warns against electing a president with troubling views, especially in light of Trump's previous behavior towards the military, including his derogatory remarks about fallen soldiers and military families [e8d018fe]. As the election approaches, the state of American democracy remains precarious, with right-wing factions increasingly embracing insurrectionist ideologies, further complicating the political landscape [ae5a620c].