WASHINGTON, DC — Retired U.S. Army Major General Randy Manner sparked controversy after remarks on Oct. 14, 2024, where he labeled the rise of Trump as indicative of fascism. Speaking on a podcast and later reiterating his claims on CNN, Manner drew sharp criticism, culminating in a tense Senate hearing this week.
General Manner alleged that MAGA represents "the signature attributes of fascism" and warned of a potential scenario where Trump, if reelected, could misuse the National Guard as a personal enforcement tool. His comments have since drawn both praise and backlash.
“For the listeners, please don’t (just) believe me. Look up the definition of fascism. You will find that these are 100 percent the attributes of Trump personally and all of his hardcore MAGA Trump supporters,” Manner said during the interview.
Michelangelo Signorile, who hosted Manner on his podcast, referenced retired U.S. Army General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had previously described Donald Trump as "fascist to the core." Manner endorsed Milley’s assessment, stating:
“I served with General Milley when he was Colonel Milley. He speaks the truth and is, quite frankly, a leader.”
During the podcast, Manner expressed concern that many Americans misunderstand the term “fascism” and provided his definition, attributing the following traits to Trump supporters:
- Unquestioning obedience to a powerful leader.
- A belief in the supremacy of one ethnic or religious group (whites and Christians).
- Contempt for the rule of law, except for those laws that serve their interests.
- Intolerance of dissenting views.
- Authoritarian and nationalistic tendencies.
“General Milley calling Trump a fascist is wholeheartedly true. I am so glad he spoke out through Bob Woodward’s book, and I completely agree,” Manner said, referencing Milley’s statements in the book.
Senate Confrontation
On Tuesday, Manner appeared before a U.S. Senate hearing to discuss the National Guard’s potential role in implementing Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan for undocumented immigrants. However, his comments about fascism dominated the proceedings.
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana confronted Manner directly, citing his remarks from the Oct. 14 CNN appearance and the podcast.
“Duty, honor, respect—you talked about that in your opening statement,” Kennedy began, before quoting Manner’s claim that Trump and his supporters are “fascists themselves.”
Kennedy pressed Manner:
“You think you’re smarter than the American people, don’t you? You think you are more virtuous than the American people?”
Manner defended his statements, emphasizing that his comments were rooted in his interpretation of fascism’s characteristics and their application to Trump’s rhetoric and actions.
The hearing became particularly heated when Kennedy cited a quote attributed to another witness, Miss Moran, stating, “By your actions, you know what someone’s character is like.” Kennedy asked Manner if he agreed with the sentiment, to which Manner replied affirmatively.
Despite the sharp questioning, Manner stood by his claims, reiterating his concern over the potential misuse of the National Guard under a Trump administration.
Context and Reactions
General Manner, who serves as Acting Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, has a distinguished military career. However, his outspoken comments have placed him at the center of a national debate over the role of the military in politics and the characterization of Trump’s supporters.
The controversy has sparked a wide array of reactions, with supporters praising Manner for speaking out and critics accusing him of partisan bias. The full exchange during the Senate hearing can be viewed here: [Video Link]
For the full podcast episode featuring General Manner’s remarks, go here.
US Army Major General Randy Manner is questioned in a US Senate hearing on Dec. 10, 2024.
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