A minimum of 16 Trump administration veterans have sharply criticized the ex-president, with terms such as “threat to democracy,” “erratic,” “delusional,” and “narcissistic.” Former Vice President Mike Pence has stated that he will not endorse Trump in the 2024 election, highlighting the growing dissent within the Republican Party.
Sarah Matthews, a former deputy press secretary, witnessed the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. She described it as a “complete dereliction of duty” on Trump’s part and lost faith in him that day. Matthews is part of a group of former Trump officials who have raised concerns about his fitness for office and his threat to democracy.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper and National Security Advisor John Bolton have also expressed their disapproval of Trump, citing concerns about his impact on democracy and national security. The unprecedented level of criticism from within Trump’s own administration has raised alarms among presidential historians and political scientists.
Despite the loyalists who continue to support Trump, the growing number of former officials speaking out against him could have political consequences. While Trump’s base has remained steadfast through previous scandals, the intensity and collective nature of the criticism may sway late-deciding swing voters in the upcoming election.
The criticism of Trump’s character and leadership style from those who worked closely with him is seen as “unprecedented” by historians. The impact of this internal dissent on the election remains to be seen, but it underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges Trump faces in his bid for a return to the Oval Office.