Fifty top Republican national security experts, including veterans from Nixon to Bush administrations, have come out openly against party nominee Donald Trump, who they say would make "the most reckless president in American history" if elected.
The reality TV star "lacks" the required character, values and self-control, said the group as it listed "dangerous qualities" in an individual "who aspires to become President and Commander-in-Chief, with command of the US nuclear arsenal" that could the country's safety to risk.
"None of us will vote for Donald Trump," said the group, that includes former homeland security chiefs, intelligence directors, senior presidential advisors and a former US trade representative, in a major blow to the 70-year-old real estate tycoon-turned politician from the party itself.
They signed an open letter declaring that the reality TV star "lacks the character, values and experience" to be president and would "weaken the US' moral authority".
"From a foreign policy perspective, Trump is not qualified to be the President and Commander-in-Chief.Indeed, we are convinced that he would be a dangerous President and would put at risk our country's national security and well-being.
"Most fundamentally, Trump lacks the character, values, and experience to be President.He weakens the US' moral authority as the leader of the free world," said the letter which has been signed by individuals who served in senior national security and foreign policy positions in Republican administrations, from Richard Nixon to George W Bush.
The letter questions his knowledge of and belief in the US Constitution, and says he has "demonstrated repeatedly that he has little understanding" of the country's "vital national interests, its complex diplomatic challenges, its indispensable alliances and the democratic values' on which the foreign policy should be based.
It further laments that "Mr. Trump has shown no interest in educating himself".
In its statement issued yesterday, the group said Trump appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US laws and US institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press and an independent judiciary.
"He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behaviour. All of these are dangerous qualities in an individual who aspires to be President and Commander-in-Chief, with command of the US nuclear arsenal," they said.
Trump hit back at the stinging rejection, calling the group "nothing more than the failed Washington elite looking to hold onto their power" and saying they should be "held accountable" for making the world less safe. He said they were the reason the world is "a mess."
The major setback for Trump was followed by top Republican Senator Susan Collins saying she would not vote for him as he lacks the "temperament" and "judgement" required for the post.
