The prospect of Donald Trump securing a second term in 2024 poses a severe threat to American democracy, caution three former White House aides who worked during his tumultuous tenure. Testifying before the US House committee investigating Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and the Capitol attack on January 6, these women issued an unprecedented warning during a recent television interview. They emphasized the urgent need to prevent a repeat administration, fearing that Trump's behavior could escalate.
Sarah Matthews, a former deputy White House press secretary who resigned on the day of the Capitol riot, expressed concern on ABC’s This Week, stating, “People in general have short memories, and might forget the chaos of the Trump years. It does really concern me if he makes it to the general [election] that he could win. I’m still hopeful that we can defeat him in the primaries, but we’re running out of time.”
Joining Matthews in the interview were Cassidy Hutchinson, a crucial witness against Trump during the House committee's public hearings, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, Trump's former communications director. Griffin warned of the potential dire consequences, stating, “Fundamentally, a second Trump term could mean the end of American democracy as we know it, and I don’t say that lightly.”
Expressing dread at the thought of Trump returning to office, Griffin highlighted the ex-president's willingness to challenge democratic norms. Hutchinson emphasized the importance of taking Trump's statements seriously, especially when he hints at dictatorial tendencies. All three former aides underscored the urgent need for action and expressed hope that voters would recognize the risks posed by a second Trump administration.