Donald Trump and John Kelly’s strained relationship has resurfaced in the media, raising questions about whether Kelly was fired or left on his own terms. Trump’s recent comments have reignited speculation about the nature of Kelly’s departure from the White House.
Here’s what we know about Trump’s remarks and the circumstances surrounding Kelly’s exit.
What did Donald Trump say about firing John Kelly?
Donald Trump’s relationship with his former White House chief of staff, General John Kelly, has been marked by intense public criticism and a series of disparaging remarks.
Trump recently called Kelly “one of the dumbest people I’ve ever met” and a “lowlife” during an interview. He added that Kelly was a “terrible, stupid person.” These remarks are part of a feud that has intensified as Kelly has become more vocal in his criticism of Trump since leaving the administration.
Kelly, a retired Marine General and former Secretary of Homeland Security, was appointed as Trump’s chief of staff in July 2017 to restore order within the White House. However, their relationship quickly soured, with Kelly eventually leaving his position in December 2018.
Trump later claimed he “fired him like a dog” and called him “incapable of doing a good job” (via MSNBC). This animosity deepened after Kelly confirmed that Trump had referred to American servicemembers as “suckers” and “losers.” That statement sparked widespread controversy.
In August 2024, Trump reignited his criticisms, calling Kelly “a weak bully” and continuing to attack his former aide for his criticisms of Trump’s leadership. Meanwhile, Kelly has accused Trump of harboring authoritarian tendencies, admiring dictators, and showing contempt for democratic institutions.
Kelly has also stated that Trump made unethical requests during his presidency. He claimed Trump wanted him to use the IRS and the Justice Department to target political opponents. Kelly resisted these requests due to legal and ethical concerns. This ongoing feud highlights the deep divide between the two.
As Election Day approaches, this rift remains a significant aspect of the broader conversation surrounding Trump’s leadership style.
