Senior military leaders who served under Donald Trump are raising alarms about what his potential return to the White House could mean for the country, particularly regarding the use of the U.S. military. Concerns have intensified after Trump suggested the military should be deployed against “the enemy from within” on Election Day, a notion that has unsettled many of his former top commanders.

General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described Trump as “the most dangerous person to this country,” labeling him a fascist. In agreement, Trump’s former Secretary of Defense, General Jim Mattis, warned that the threat Trump poses should not be minimized. Mattis communicated this view in an email to Bob Woodward, a journalist who has written extensively about Trump’s presidency. The fears they express are based on their firsthand experiences working under Trump, witnessing his erratic decision-making and disregard for democratic principles.

Trump’s admiration for the military has been a long-standing part of his identity. He idolizes iconic World War II generals like George Patton and Douglas MacArthur, and as a young man, he attended a military-style boarding school. However, despite his fascination with military culture, Trump repeatedly sought deferments to avoid serving in the Vietnam War.

Once he assumed the presidency, Trump surrounded himself with high-ranking military officers, appointing Mattis to head the Department of Defense, General John Kelly as his chief of staff, and Michael Flynn and H.R. McMaster as national security advisers. His love for the grandeur of the military was evident in his push for a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C., modeled after those in authoritarian countries, though the event never materialized.

Despite his admiration for military traditions, Trump’s relationship with the U.S. military leadership was deeply strained. Many senior officers have become some of his harshest critics, warning about his dangerous tendencies and impulsive behavior. Some, like Mattis, felt that Trump was deliberately trying to divide the American people rather than unite them. In 2020, Mattis went on record to say that Trump was the first president in his lifetime who didn’t even attempt to unify the nation.

John Kelly, another key figure in Trump’s administration and a retired four-star general, voiced similar concerns. He accused Trump of showing outright contempt for America’s democratic institutions, the Constitution, and the rule of law. Kelly’s comments reflect the growing unease among many military leaders who once worked closely with Trump but now believe he poses a threat to the very fabric of American democracy.

H.R. McMaster, who served as Trump’s national security adviser, also addressed Trump’s leadership in his book, “At War with Ourselves.” He described how Trump’s personal ego and self-interest overpowered his commitment to his presidential oath, particularly after his loss in the 2020 election. McMaster’s critique focuses on Trump’s inability to accept defeat and his disregard for the Constitution.

General Stanley McChrystal, a retired commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, has also expressed strong opposition to Trump. McChrystal, who led the military’s efforts in counterterrorism and played a key role in the operation to kill Osama bin Laden, recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, citing her strong character. In the past, McChrystal has been openly critical of Trump, calling him both “immoral” and “dishonest.”

Similarly, Admiral Bill McRaven, the Navy SEAL commander who oversaw the bin Laden raid, has voiced grave concerns about Trump. In a 2020 op-ed, McRaven warned that when a president places their ego and personal interests above national security, it opens the door to dangerous consequences. McRaven’s views are shared by many within the military community, who fear that Trump’s return to power could further erode the nation’s democratic foundations.

In June 2020, the country witnessed a stark example of Trump’s willingness to use force for personal gain. After the murder of George Floyd by police sparked widespread protests, Trump ordered the violent removal of peaceful demonstrators from the area around the White House. Admiral Mike Mullen, another former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was one of several senior military leaders who condemned the move. Mullen said he was “sickened” by the sight of peaceful protesters being forcibly cleared out to create a photo opportunity for Trump.

Trump’s strained relationship with the military is unusual in American history. Few presidents have faced such widespread criticism from top military officials, particularly those who served directly under them. The sense of alarm from these senior leaders underscores how deeply Trump’s actions have disturbed the military establishment.

However, not all of Trump’s military advisers have turned against him. Some still support his leadership and policies. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who served as national security advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, remains loyal to Trump. Kellogg recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Trump’s behalf and has continued to stand by the former president. He is one of the few high-ranking military officials from Trump’s administration who didn’t resign or face dismissal during Trump’s time in office. If Trump were to win the 2024 election, Kellogg is likely to return to a prominent role in the administration.

While Trump cannot directly command the U.S. military until after Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, his rhetoric and approach to military matters are concerning to those who served under him. Trump has hinted at using the military in troubling ways, such as suggesting they could intervene on Election Day, which is beyond his constitutional authority. If he were to secure a second term, Trump would have the power to appoint a defense secretary aligned with his views, giving him considerable influence over the military’s actions.

The fears voiced by these senior military officials are not solely about Trump’s past actions but about the potential damage he could cause if given another four years in office. They worry that his erratic decision-making, disregard for democratic norms, and focus on personal loyalty over institutional integrity could have disastrous consequences for the country. Many of these former leaders have urged the public not to underestimate the threat posed by Trump’s possible return to power, believing that it could lead to further division and instability within the United States.

Their warnings reflect a deep concern for the future of American democracy and the role of the military in upholding it. These generals and admirals, having dedicated their lives to serving the country, view Trump’s leadership as a direct challenge to the values they swore to protect. Whether the American electorate heeds these warnings remains to be seen, but the alarm raised by these top military officials is unprecedented in modern U.S. political history.