Over 200 Republicans from Bush, McCain, and Romney endorse Harris

In an unprecedented move, over 200 former aides and officials from the George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush administrations, along with staffers from Senator John McCain and Senator Mitt Romney, have come together to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the upcoming presidential election. This group has issued an open letter calling on their fellow Republicans to support the Democratic ticket in November.

The signatories of the letter express grave concerns about the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the presidency. They warn that another four years under his leadership would be “chaotic” and detrimental, undermining essential institutions and harming the lives of ordinary citizens.

Among the issues raised in the letter is “Project 2025,” a 900-page proposal created by former Trump aides, which has garnered backing from the Heritage Foundation. The group feels strongly that this plan poses a threat to the nation. They also voiced unease about Trump’s tendency to align with authoritarian leaders, citing his past behavior toward figures like Vladimir Putin.

While acknowledging that they have significant ideological differences with Harris and Walz, the signatories emphasize that the dangers posed by a Trump presidency render the alternative unacceptable. They urge moderate Republicans and conservative independents in crucial swing states—including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—to cast their votes for candidates who aim to unite rather than divide.

In the letter, they state, “Those leaders are Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz.” The letter, which has been disclosed to the public, highlights their desire for leadership that prioritizes consensus and fosters unity.

This endorsement is not the first of its kind from this group. They similarly supported President Joe Biden during the 2020 election cycle. The letter has received signatures from influential figures, including former chiefs of staff for both George H. W. Bush and John McCain and advisors from Romney’s presidential campaigns.

Among the signers is Olivia Troye, a former staffer in Mike Pence’s office, and a Pentagon official under George W. Bush. Troye has spoken out against Trump during various platforms, including the Democratic National Convention. Along with other former Trump administration officials, including Stephanie Grisham, Troye has become a notable voice warning of the implications of a second Trump term.

At the DNC, Troye and Grisham recounted their experiences in the White House, emphasizing the disorder that characterized Trump’s leadership style. Their shared narratives serve as a critique of Trump’s approach to governance and its impact on the nation’s political climate.

In response to the open letter, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, dismissed the endorsement as “hilarious,” questioning the significance of the signatories and suggesting that “nobody knows who these people are.” He further claimed that these individuals would prefer to see the nation in turmoil rather than allowing Trump to reclaim the presidency and pursue his agenda of “Making America Great Again.”