GOP national security experts oppose Trump

Fifty prominent Republican foreign policy and national security experts – many veterans of George W. Bush’s administration – have signed a letter denouncing Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy and pledging not to vote for him. “But Donald Trump is not the answer to America’s daunting challenges and to this crucial election”.

“I’m thankful for my nearly two years with the Florida GOP; however, moving on gives me a great, new opportunity to continue promoting free market solutions while avoiding efforts that support Donald Trump”, Mr. Gaitan said in a statement.

No former secretaries of state signed the letter.

“Donald J. Trump is not only unqualified for the job, but he may well pose a threat to our national security”, Morell, a former CBS News contributor, wrote.

Among the most prominent signatories are Michael Hayden, a former director of both the CIA and the National Security Agency; John Negroponte, who served as the first director of national intelligence and then deputy secretary of state; and Robert B. Zoellick, another former deputy secretary of state, USA trade representative and, until 2012, president of the World Bank. Indeed, we are convinced that he would be a risky President and would put at risk our country’s national security and well-being.

“He appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the U.S. Constitution, U.S. laws and U.S. institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press and an independent judiciary”, the letter states.

Gaitan himself wouldn’t publicly blame Trump for his departure, though other Hispanic Republicans – some of them who have or still work in Florida – did so privately.

“A president must be disciplined, control emotions, and act only after reflection and careful deliberation”, the letter states. “He does not encourage conflicting views. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior”, the letter claims.