Ten retired senior U.S. military leaders have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, asserting in a letter released Monday that she is uniquely qualified to serve as commander-in-chief. The group, which includes retired General Larry Ellis and retired Rear Admiral Michael Smith, also issued a stark warning about former President Donald Trump, labeling him a threat to national security and democratic values.
The letter highlighted what the signatories described as Trump’s “chaotic approach” to critical defense matters, specifically citing his handling of Afghanistan. They pointed to his 2020 deal with the Taliban, which allowed 5,000 fighters from the group to be released, many of whom returned to the battlefield, as an example of his unpredictable and dangerous decision-making.
In contrast, the retired military commanders emphasized Harris’s proven ability to manage complex national security challenges. They praised her leadership on key issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific, as well as her steady presence in high-stakes situations in the White House Situation Room.
“Vice President Harris has demonstrated the judgment, temperament, and leadership necessary to navigate the toughest national security challenges,” the letter stated. “She is the best — and only — presidential candidate in this race who is fit to serve as our commander-in-chief.”
The endorsement was released on Harris’s campaign social media account on X (formerly Twitter) and comes at a critical moment in the race, as the vice president faces off against Trump in a tightly contested election set for November 5.
A stark contrast in leadership
The retired military leaders drew a sharp distinction between Harris and Trump, underscoring their concerns about the former president’s track record during his time in office from 2017 to 2021. They called attention to incidents in which Trump disparaged members of the military, as well as his erratic decision-making on matters of national security.
In particular, the letter criticized Trump’s approach to Afghanistan, describing it as disorganized and short-sighted. They argued that his decision to negotiate directly with the Taliban weakened the U.S. position in the region and emboldened America’s adversaries.
Harris, by comparison, was commended for her ability to confront global challenges with pragmatism and focus. The commanders noted her role in addressing key foreign policy crises, including supporting Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression and managing the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations.
A campaign ad amplifies the warning
The endorsement coincided with the release of a new campaign ad from the Harris team, which further highlights concerns about Trump’s potential return to power. The ad features several prominent former Trump administration officials, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and retired General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In the ad, Harris’s campaign underscores the warnings voiced by Trump’s former allies, who have publicly questioned his fitness for office. “In 2016, Donald Trump said he would choose only the best people to work in the White House. Now those people have a warning for America,” the ad states. “Trump is not fit to be president again.”
Clips of Pence, Esper, Bolton, and Milley are woven into the ad, painting a picture of an administration that was plagued by chaos and fractured relationships with key national security officials. The campaign hopes this message will resonate with voters who remain undecided or hesitant about granting Trump a second term in office.
A pivotal moment in the race
The endorsement from retired military leaders, coupled with the new campaign ad, underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election. With polls showing the race between Harris and Trump tightening, both candidates are working to solidify their support among key constituencies.
For Harris, the backing of respected military commanders could bolster her credibility on national security, an area where vice presidents and presidential candidates are often scrutinized. It also provides ammunition for her campaign to counter Trump’s claims of being a strong leader on defense issues.
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign continues to focus on portraying his first term as a period of economic strength and global assertiveness, downplaying the controversies and criticisms that marked his presidency.
The road ahead
As the November election approaches, endorsements from influential figures—particularly those with deep expertise in national security—are likely to play a significant role in shaping public perception. The retired commanders’ letter not only highlights the stakes of the election but also draws attention to the very different leadership styles and priorities of the two candidates.
While Harris’s campaign seeks to project an image of steady, experienced leadership, Trump’s team is betting on his ability to energize his base by focusing on issues like immigration, economic recovery, and opposition to the Biden administration’s policies.
With the election less than a year away, the battle for public trust and confidence continues to intensify. Both campaigns will need to navigate a polarized political landscape while addressing the concerns of a diverse electorate. For now, the endorsement of Vice President Harris by these retired military leaders adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes race.
