In the tumultuous world of American politics, no figure has burned more bridges with his own allies than Donald Trump. Once surrounded by a fiercely loyal inner circle, Trump now faces vocal criticism from some of the very individuals who helped him rise to power. These former aides, advisors, and confidants have turned into his most pointed critics, describing him as “stunningly uninformed,” “a fascist,” “a terrorist,” and “an idiot.” Their betrayal—at least in Trump’s eyes—is not just political, but deeply personal.
One of the most striking fallouts has been with former Vice President Mike Pence. Known throughout the Trump presidency for his unwavering loyalty and silence, Pence finally broke ranks on January 6, 2021, when he refused Trump’s demand to overturn the 2020 election results. That moment of constitutional clarity drew Trump’s wrath and placed Pence in the crosshairs of an enraged mob chanting “Hang Mike Pence.” Since then, Pence has called Trump’s actions reckless and irresponsible, drawing a definitive line between duty and blind loyalty.
Another powerful voice of dissent comes from John Bolton, Trump’s former National Security Advisor. Bolton, a hardline conservative and foreign policy hawk, initially seemed like a natural fit in Trump’s cabinet. However, his post-White House memoir painted a troubling picture of Trump as “stunningly uninformed” and dangerously self-absorbed. Bolton has since argued that Trump is unfit for office and warned of the national security threats his return could pose.
Former Attorney General William Barr also became disillusioned after standing by Trump through much of his presidency. When Trump falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen, Barr publicly contradicted him by declaring there was no evidence of widespread fraud. That statement effectively ended their relationship. In interviews and his own book, Barr criticized Trump for becoming “detached from reality” and using conspiracy theories to hold onto power.
Military leadership, too, has seen cracks in allegiance. General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, kept his criticisms mostly private during Trump’s tenure, but later accounts revealed deep concern. He reportedly compared Trump’s behavior to that of Adolf Hitler and took discreet measures to prevent any unauthorized use of the military after the 2020 election. Milley feared Trump might attempt a coup or spark chaos to stay in power, describing his conduct as dangerous and volatile.
Perhaps the most dramatic transformation is that of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer. Once the man who said he’d take a bullet for Trump, Cohen ultimately turned on his former boss, pleading guilty to crimes that implicated the former president directly. In his book Disloyal and during congressional testimony, Cohen labeled Trump a “con man,” a “liar,” and a threat to democracy. His revelations have played a central role in the legal troubles still shadowing Trump.
Together, these five men—each once a pillar in Trump’s political and personal empire—have become key voices of opposition. Their warnings, grounded in firsthand experience, offer a sobering view of the former president’s character and conduct. As Trump mounts another bid for the White House in 2024, the voices of his former allies-turned-critics are becoming harder to ignore, forming a cautionary tale from inside the walls of power.