I obtained this copy of this letter from a link in an article in Newsweek on September 14, 2020. To see the entire letter with the names of all 235 general and flag officers who signed it, click here.
Open Letter from Senior Military Leaders
The 2020 election affords the American people an urgently needed opportunity to affirm their devotion to the Constitution of the United States and to the American way of life. As senior leaders of America’s military, we took an oath to defend the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. At present, our country is now confronted with enemies here and abroad, as well as a once in a century pandemic. As retired military officers, we believe that Donald J. Trump has been tested as few other presidents have and is the proven leader to confront these dangers.
It can be argued that this is the most important election since our country was founded. With the Democratic Party welcoming to socialists and Marxists, our historic way of life is at stake.
During the Obama/Biden administration, America’s armed forces were subjected to a series of ill-considered and debilitating budget cuts. The Democrats have once again pledged to cut defense spending, undermining our military strength.
The Democrats’ opposition to border security, their pledge to return to the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, their antagonism towards the police and planned cuts to military spending will leave the United States more vulnerable to foreign enemies.
President Trump’s resolute stands have deterred our enemies from aggression against us and our allies. The proposed defense cuts by the Democrats will, in our professional judgment, create a potentially perilous situation for the United States during a time of great external and internal threats to our Nation.
For these reasons, we support Donald Trump’s re-election.We believe that President Donald Trump is committed to a strong America. As president, he will continue to secure our borders, defeat our adversaries, and restore law and order domestically.
We urge our fellow Americans to join us in supporting the re-election of Donald Trump for President.
Gen.Alfred Hansen, U.S.Air Force, Retired
Gen.William R.Looney III, U.S.Air Force, Retired
Gen.Lance Smith, U.S.Air Force, Retired
ADM.Mark Fitzgerald, U.S, Navy Retired
ADM.Thomas B.Hayward, U.S.Navy, Retired
ADM.Jerome L.Johnson, U.S.Navy, Retired
ADM.Leighton Smith, U.S.Navy, Retired
ADM.Steven White, U.S.Navy, Retired
and 227 other senior military leaders
