Khizr Khan, a Gold Star parent whose son Humayun was killed in Iraq in 2004, has spoken out against former President Donald Trump, labeling him a 'wannabe dictator.' Khan's comments come in the wake of statements made by Trump's former chief of staff, John Kelly, who described Trump as someone who admires authoritarians.
In a recent interview, Khan urged senior military officials to denounce Trump and his rhetoric, emphasizing the threat he poses to democracy. Khan highlighted the importance of retired flag officers continuing to defend the country even after their service has ended.
John Kelly, in an interview with The New York Times, expressed concerns about Trump's authoritarian tendencies, stating that the former president leans towards a dictatorial style of governance. Kelly's remarks have drawn criticism from Trump's campaign communications director, who accused Kelly of fabricating stories due to his alleged 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.'
Khan, who gained national attention for his impassioned speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, has been a vocal critic of Trump. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president and emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election, citing Trump's claims that the end of democracy is at stake if he is not re-elected.
As the nation gears up for another election cycle, Khan's words serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and standing against authoritarianism. The debate over Trump's leadership style continues to spark discussions about the future of American democracy and the role of military officials in safeguarding it.