H.R. McMaster Rules Out Serving in a Second Trump Administration, Citing Exhaustion from Previous Tenure

Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has made it clear that he has no intention of serving in a second Trump administration, should the former president be re-elected. In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, McMaster explained that his time working under Donald Trump had left him feeling “used up.”

While he remains open to serving in any administration where he feels he can contribute meaningfully, McMaster expressed that his experience with Trump was exhausting and not something he wishes to repeat.

Reflecting on his tenure from February 2017 to April 2018, McMaster described it as both a privilege and a challenge. He pointed out that Trump’s behavior was often offensive and disruptive, creating a difficult working environment. Despite these challenges, McMaster saw his role as facilitating Trump’s disruptive tendencies when they were necessary, rather than trying to control the president’s actions. This approach highlights the complexity of his position within the administration.

McMaster’s comments come at a time when many within the Republican Party are urging their leaders, including Trump, to focus more on policy rather than personal attacks. The former adviser’s insights into the internal struggles of the GOP underscore the ongoing debate about the direction of the party, particularly as Trump continues to target political rivals like Vice President Kamala Harris with personal criticisms instead of policy discussions.

In addition to discussing his time in the White House, McMaster promoted his new book, “At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House.” He hopes the book will inspire young people to pursue public service despite the challenges it presents. McMaster emphasized that the book is not just about the difficulties he faced but also about the honor of serving in such a critical role, even in a turbulent administration.

When asked about the possibility of serving in a future administration led by Vice President Kamala Harris, McMaster expressed doubts. He cited significant policy differences, particularly on issues like the Middle East, as reasons why he might not be effective in such a role.

His remarks reflect his belief that to be effective in government service, there must be alignment with the administration’s core policies and objectives. The Trump campaign, however, was quick to dismiss McMaster’s comments, asserting that there is no desire to have him return to any government position.