In 1945, the U.S. War Department published a pamphlet to help soldiers understand fascism, defining it as “government by the few and for the few,” focused on controlling “the economic, political, social, and cultural life of the state.”

A Letter in a “Time Capsule”, Pleading Future Americans to Not Let History Repeat Itself

The document emphasized that unlike democratic governments, which are run by the people, “fascist governments run the people,” using force, propaganda, and fear to maintain power. It warned that fascism undermines “the basic principles of democracy,” aiming to abolish civil liberties and impose strict obedience: “Anyone who is not a member of their inner gang has to do what he’s told.” Women, under fascist regimes, are reduced to roles defined by the Nazi slogan “children, kitchen, and the church.” Today, Donald Trump's VP pick JD Vance only amplifies Trump's hidden agenda to take away women's rights, and simply disregard any happy women without a man a “childless cat lady”.

Pulled from the archives of some of the oldest universities in our nation – untampered and unedited – the pamphlet’s observations resonate with recent criticisms from top U.S. military leaders regarding Trump. Figures such as John Kelly, Trump’s former Chief of Staff, and Gen. Mark Milley, former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have warned that Trump’s behavior aligns with these authoritarian traits. Kelly, for instance, has publicly denounced Trump’s actions as destabilizing and compared him to historical fascists due to his disregard for democratic norms and repeated emphasis on loyalty over the rule of law.

Just this past week, Milley and others statements have surfaced and share concerns over Trump's “erratic” leadership, which they argue reflects “primitive ideas of ‘blood’ and ‘race,’” similar to those that fascist regimes exploit to incite fear and division.

What Is Being Said and Who Is Saying It?

John Kelly, General, Marine Corps

“Certainly the former president is in the far-right area, he's
certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators
he has said that. So he certainly falls into the general definition
of fascist, for sure,” Kelly told the New York Times.

Mark A Milley, General, Army

Trump is a “fascist to the core,” Milley told the Washington
Post's Bob Woodward.

James Mattis, General, Marine Corps

“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not
try to unite the American people – does not even pretend to try
Instead he tries to divide us,” Mattis wrote in a June 2020
statement to the Atlantic.

H.R. McMaster, Lieutenant General, Army

In the January 6 siege on the Capitol, Trump “abandoned his
oath to ‘support and defend the Constitution; a president's
highest obligation,” McMaster wrote in his 2024 book.

Mark Esper, Lieutenant Colonel, Army

After stolen documents were found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago
estate, Esper said that stashing them there was an
“irresponsible action that places our service members at risk,
places our nation's security at risk.”

There are many, many more military leaders and ex-cabinet members and aids to Trump, when he was president, who have officially documented their interactions with the former president. All statements weave a chorus of narratives that speak to the unprofessional and cheating nature that is Trump; in every situation.

Why Is U.S. Military Leaders Speaking Out About Trump So Taboo and Unusual?

It is traditionally considered inappropriate for U.S. military leaders to publicly criticize a president or even ex-president, as it conflicts with the principle of military nonpartisanship and civilian control of the armed forces. This tradition, deeply rooted in the Constitution, calls for military officers to remain apolitical and uphold their loyalty to the Constitution rather than to any individual or political party.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) enforces these guidelines, limiting active-duty officers from engaging in political statements, particularly those critical of the president. Even after retirement, many generals and admirals are expected to maintain this restraint to protect the military’s impartiality and avoid influencing public opinion against civilian leadership. However, when former military leaders like John Kelly or Mark Milley have voiced concerns about presidential actions, especially where Trump is concerned, they often cite an allegiance to constitutional principles and national security rather than partisan motives.

Such statements are rare and focus on matters of national importance, underscoring a perceived need to protect democratic values. This has led to ongoing debate about whether these critiques safeguard democracy or risk politicizing the military's reputation.

Reality Check for Current-Day Americans and The Potential State of Our Nation

The War Department 1945 pamphlet underscored the importance of understanding fascism to protect democracy: “It is important for our future and that of the world that as many of us as possible understand the causes and practices of fascism, in order to combat it.”

This statement is reflected today in military leaders’ calls to uphold democratic principles and check authoritarian impulses, aligning with the historical imperative to recognize and resist fascist tendencies before they gain power.

The final thought we leave our reader with is this…

Can you live with the outcome if you vote for a fascist?

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