National Security Advisor · Trump Administration · 2017-2018

H.R. McMaster

Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Retired) Independent Former Administration
Summary

Former National Security Advisor who detailed Trump's dangerous ideas and said he abandoned his constitutional oath on January 6.

In Their Own Words

Key Statements

Trump abandoned his oath to 'support and defend the Constitution,' a president's highest obligation.
August 25, 2024 · CNN (Peter Bergen analysis)
Regarding January 6 Capitol attack
Why don't we just bomb the drugs?
August 25, 2024 · CBS News
Example of outlandish Trump remark about Mexico
Why don't we take out the whole North Korean Army during one of their parades?
August 25, 2024 · CBS News
Example of dangerous Trump proposal

Timeline

February 20, 2017

Appointed National Security Advisor

Became Trump's second National Security Advisor

April 9, 2018

Left White House

Replaced by John Bolton

August 27, 2024

Published memoir critical of Trump

Detailed dangerous proposals and constitutional violations

Why This Matters

Credibility & Background

Background

Three-star Army general, veteran of Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan

Positions Held

  • National Security Advisor (2017-2018)
  • Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center (2014-2017)
  • Commander, Maneuver Center of Excellence (2012-2014)

Awards & Honors

  • Silver Star
  • Bronze Star Medal with Valor
  • Purple Heart
Analysis

Reasons for Opposition

  1. 01 Trump abandoned his constitutional oath on January 6
  2. 02 Trump proposed dangerous and outlandish military actions
  3. 03 Oval Office meetings were exercises in 'competitive sycophancy'
  4. 04 Trump lacks understanding of national security
Electoral Position

Opposes Trump's return to office

View All Critics

Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.