Former national security adviser H.R. McMaster stated on Monday that he would decline any role in a potential second term for Donald Trump, expressing that his contributions to the former president’s administration are “kind of used up.”
In a discussion with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, McMaster emphasized his reluctance to rejoin Trump’s team if re-elected. “No, Anderson, I believe I’ll work in any administration where I can truly make an impact, but with Donald Trump, I feel my work is done,” McMaster explained.
H.R. McMaster explains his decision to avoid a second Trump term role and discusses his new book’s message on national challenges
Reflecting on his tenure from February 2017 to April 2018, McMaster described his time with Trump as both a privilege and a challenge. He acknowledged the former president’s tendency to be “offensive, brash, and outlandish,” but saw his role as one of facilitating necessary disruption rather than attempting to rein in Trump’s unorthodox approach.
McMaster’s remarks come despite Republican calls for Trump to concentrate more on policy issues rather than personal attacks on his Democratic opponent, Vice President Harris.
The interview also served as a platform for McMaster to promote his new book, “At War with Ourselves.” He expressed hope that the book would inspire young people to engage in government service, underscoring that internal conflicts within the nation adversely affect both governance and national wellbeing. “It’s not just detrimental to our psyche; it’s harmful to governance and our country,” McMaster noted, stressing that while the book highlights the honor of serving, it does not overly dwell on the job’s challenges.
Regarding a hypothetical Harris administration, McMaster indicated he might not be effective there due to differing policy perspectives. “I’m unsure if I would be effective in such an administration, given our divergent views on various issues, including Middle Eastern policies,” he commented, reaffirming his belief in the privilege of service.
