A collective of ten retired high-ranking U.S. military officials publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in a letter released on Monday, asserting that she is the sole presidential candidate qualified to serve as the nation’s commander in chief.

They characterized her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, as “a threat to our national security and democracy.”

The letter, which included signatures from Retired General Larry Ellis and Retired Rear Admiral Michael Smith, referenced Trump’s derogatory remarks about military personnel and his “disorderly approach” to the Afghanistan situation prior to the U.S. withdrawal, particularly his negotiations with the Taliban that permitted 5,000 of their fighters to re-enter combat.

In contrast, the officials praised Harris for her proven capability to address significant national security issues both in the Situation Room and on the global stage, highlighting her responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rising tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific region.

They emphasized that “Harris is the best — and only — presidential candidate in this race who is fit to serve as our commander in chief,” as stated in the letter shared on X by her campaign.

The Democratic vice president and Trump, who is campaigning for a third term after his presidency from 2017 to early 2021, are engaged in a closely contested race leading up to the November 5 election, a pivotal moment for the future of American democracy.

This letter was released alongside a new campaign advertisement from Harris that aired before the candidates’ debate on Tuesday night, featuring former Trump officials cautioning that a second Trump presidency would entail significant dangers.

The ad states, “In 2016, Donald Trump claimed he would select only the best individuals for his administration. Now, those individuals have a message for America: Trump is unfit to serve as president again, according to his vice president.”

The advertisement included footage from Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, former Defense Secretary Mike Esper, former national security adviser John Bolton, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. The letter was also released just a day before House Speaker Mike J.