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John F. Kelly's first overseas experience involved serving in the United States Merchant Marine, where he transported military equipment to Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates Kelly's first overseas experience was in the United States Merchant Marine, transporting beer to Vietnam, not military equipment to Europe.
Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1970 after being informed by his mother that his draft number was approaching, indicating a call to military service during the Vietnam War era.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1970 after his mother informed him of his approaching draft number during the Vietnam War era.
John F. Kelly was discharged from active duty as a corporal in 1972 to pursue higher education.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kelly was discharged to the inactive reserve as a sergeant in 1972 to attend college, not as a corporal.
Kelly earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from Harvard University in 1984.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kelly earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service in 1984, not Harvard University.
During his command of the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Kelly's unit provided support to police in San Francisco during civil unrest in 1992.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kelly's unit provided support to police in Long Beach, California, during the Los Angeles riots of 1992, not San Francisco.
John F. Kelly's promotion to brigadier general in March 2003 in Iraq was the first known promotion of a Marine Corps colonel in an active combat zone since Chesty Puller's promotion in 1951.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kelly's promotion to brigadier general in March 2003 in Iraq was indeed the first known promotion of a Marine Corps colonel in an active combat zone since Chesty Puller's promotion in January 1951.
In April 2003, Kelly took command of Task Force Baghdad and led it into the capital during the Iraq War.
Answer: False
Explanation: In April 2003, Kelly took command of Task Force Tripoli and led it north from Baghdad into Samarra and Tikrit, not Task Force Baghdad into the capital.
Kelly's famous response to a reporter about defeat during the initial assault on Baghdad was, 'We will never surrender, no matter the odds.'
Answer: False
Explanation: Kelly's famous response was, 'hell these are Marines. Men like them held Guadalcanal and took Iwo Jima, Baghdad ain't shit.'
John F. Kelly commanded the United States Central Command from 2012 to 2016, overseeing military operations in the Middle East.
Answer: False
Explanation: John F. Kelly commanded the United States Southern Command from 2012 to 2016, which is responsible for military operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, not Central Command.
In a May 2014 speech, Kelly expressed optimism that the War on Terror was nearing its end due to significant progress.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a May 2014 speech, Kelly stated that the war against the American way of life was not over and predicted the enemy would fight for generations, not that it was nearing its end.
Where was John F. Kelly born?
Answer: Boston, Massachusetts
Explanation: John F. Kelly was born on May 11, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts.
What notable experience did Kelly have before the age of 16?
Answer: He hitchhiked to Washington state and rode trains back, including a freight-hop from Seattle to Chicago.
Explanation: Before turning 16, Kelly hitchhiked to Washington state and rode trains back, including a freight-hop from Seattle to Chicago.
When did John F. Kelly first enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps?
Answer: 1970
Explanation: Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1970.
What was Kelly's rank when he was discharged to the inactive reserve in 1972 to attend college?
Answer: Sergeant
Explanation: Kelly was discharged to the inactive reserve as a sergeant in 1972 to attend college.
Which academic degree did John F. Kelly earn from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service?
Answer: Master of Arts in National Security Affairs
Explanation: John F. Kelly earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service in 1984.
What was a notable aspect of John F. Kelly's promotion to brigadier general in March 2003?
Answer: It was the first known promotion of a Marine Corps colonel in an active combat zone since Chesty Puller's promotion in 1951.
Explanation: Kelly's promotion to brigadier general in March 2003 while in Iraq was notable as it was the first known promotion of a Marine Corps colonel in an active combat zone since Chesty Puller's promotion in January 1951.
What command did Kelly assume in Iraq in February 2008?
Answer: Multi-National Force–West
Explanation: On February 9, 2008, Kelly assumed command of the Multi-National Force–West in Iraq.
Who succeeded John F. Kelly as commander of U.S. Southern Command?
Answer: Admiral Kurt W. Tidd
Explanation: Navy Admiral Kurt W. Tidd succeeded John F. Kelly as commander of U.S. Southern Command on January 14, 2016.
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kelly to lead the Department of Homeland Security on December 7, 2016, largely due to his expertise on the southwest border.
Answer: True
Explanation: President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kelly to lead the Department of Homeland Security on December 7, 2016, with his extensive expertise regarding the southwest border being a key factor.
Kelly was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security by a unanimous Senate vote on January 20, 2017.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kelly was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security by a Senate vote of 88–11 on January 20, 2017, which was not unanimous.
As DHS Secretary, Kelly stated that a U.S.-Mexico border wall was 'essential' and predicted construction would begin by the end of the summer of 2017.
Answer: True
Explanation: As DHS Secretary, Kelly expressed a strong interest in completing the U.S.-Mexico border wall within two years, stating in April 2017 that construction would begin 'by the end of the summer' and that a border wall was 'essential'.
USA Today reported that Kelly oversaw policies such as a travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim countries and increased deportations of undocumented immigrants during his time as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Answer: True
Explanation: USA Today reported that Kelly oversaw controversial policies including a travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim countries and increased deportations of undocumented immigrants during his tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security.
The New Yorker characterized John Kelly as a moderate enforcer of immigration law, who sought to soften federal guidelines.
Answer: False
Explanation: The New Yorker characterized Kelly as one of the most aggressive enforcers of immigration law in recent American history, not a moderate enforcer.
Kelly opposed the administration's family separation policy, arguing it was inhumane and ineffective as a deterrent.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kelly supported the administration's policy of separating children from their parents as a deterrent to illegal immigration and dismissed concerns about its inhumanity.
What expertise made Kelly an attractive candidate for Secretary of Homeland Security to Trump's transition team?
Answer: His extensive expertise regarding the southwest border.
Explanation: Trump's transition team was drawn to Kelly due to his extensive expertise regarding the southwest border.
When was Kelly confirmed and sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security?
Answer: January 20, 2017
Explanation: Kelly was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security by the United States Senate on January 20, 2017, and was sworn in that same evening.
What was Kelly's message to lawmakers in an April 2017 speech regarding immigration laws?
Answer: If they disliked the laws, they should change them, or 'shut up and support the men and women on the front lines.'
Explanation: In an April 2017 speech, Kelly asserted that if lawmakers disliked the immigration laws he was charged to enforce, they should change them, or 'shut up and support the men and women on the front lines.'
According to USA Today, which controversial policy did Kelly oversee as Secretary of Homeland Security?
Answer: A travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim countries.
Explanation: USA Today reported that Kelly oversaw controversial policies of the Trump administration, including a travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim countries.
What was Kelly's stance on the administration's family separation policy?
Answer: He supported it as a deterrent to illegal immigration.
Explanation: Kelly supported the administration's policy of separating children from their parents as a deterrent to illegal immigration.
Upon becoming White House Chief of Staff, Kelly's first action was to remove Reince Priebus from his role as communications director.
Answer: False
Explanation: On his first day as Chief of Staff, Kelly removed Anthony Scaramucci from his role as White House communications director, not Reince Priebus.
Early in Kelly's tenure as White House Chief of Staff, media outlets like The New York Times expected him to bring moderation and discipline to the White House.
Answer: True
Explanation: Early in his tenure as Chief of Staff, media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and FiveThirtyEight speculated that Kelly would bring moderation and discipline to the White House.
By February 2018, Kelly's public image had shifted, and he was seen as a hardliner on several issues, particularly immigration.
Answer: True
Explanation: By February 2018, Kelly's public image had evolved, and he was seen as a hardliner on several issues, particularly immigration, contrasting with initial media speculation.
President Trump announced John Kelly's departure as Chief of Staff in early 2019, with Mick Mulvaney named as his successor.
Answer: False
Explanation: President Trump announced Kelly's departure on December 8, 2018, stating he would leave at the end of the year, not in early 2019.
In February 2018, Kelly reportedly had a physical confrontation with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, grabbing him by the collar.
Answer: True
Explanation: The New York Times reported in February 2018 that Kelly had a heated argument with Corey Lewandowski, which escalated to Kelly grabbing him by the collar and pushing him against a wall.
Kelly initially praised White House staff secretary Rob Porter as a 'man of true integrity and honor' despite reports of domestic abuse allegations against Porter.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kelly initially praised Rob Porter as a 'man of true integrity and honor' and a 'trusted professional,' despite reports of domestic abuse allegations against Porter.
A tape released in August 2018 showed Kelly firing Omarosa Manigault in the Oval Office, leading to concerns about the recording's legality.
Answer: False
Explanation: A tape released in August 2018 showed Kelly firing Omarosa Manigault in the Situation Room, not the Oval Office, leading to controversy regarding the potential misuse of the high-security facility.
When was John F. Kelly appointed White House Chief of Staff?
Answer: July 28, 2017
Explanation: Trump appointed Kelly to the post of White House Chief of Staff on July 28, 2017.
Who did Kelly remove from his role as White House communications director on his first day as Chief of Staff?
Answer: Anthony Scaramucci
Explanation: On his first day in office, July 31, 2017, Kelly removed Anthony Scaramucci from his role as White House communications director.
How did Kelly restructure the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy in September 2017?
Answer: He integrated it into the National Economic Council, requiring its director to report to the NEC director.
Explanation: In September 2017, Kelly integrated the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy into the National Economic Council, requiring its director to report to the NEC director.
When did President Trump announce John Kelly's departure as Chief of Staff?
Answer: December 8, 2018
Explanation: On December 8, 2018, President Trump announced that Kelly would be leaving his position as White House Chief of Staff at the end of the year.
Who replaced John Kelly as the White House Chief of Staff?
Answer: Mick Mulvaney
Explanation: Mick Mulvaney was announced as John Kelly's replacement as the White House Chief of Staff on December 14, 2018.
What controversial statement did Kelly make regarding DACA enrollees in February 2018?
Answer: He stated that some were 'too afraid to sign up' or 'too lazy to get off their asses.'
Explanation: On February 6, 2018, Kelly made recorded remarks suggesting that some DACA enrollees were 'too afraid to sign up' or 'too lazy to get off their asses.'
After the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Kelly supported Trump's removal from office using the Twenty-fifth Amendment.
Answer: True
Explanation: After the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Kelly stated his support for Trump's removal from office using the Twenty-fifth Amendment.
In October 2023, Kelly confirmed reports that Donald Trump had expressed admiration for veterans and American servicemembers killed in action.
Answer: False
Explanation: In October 2023, Kelly confirmed reports that Trump had expressed disdain for veterans and American servicemembers killed in action, not admiration.
Concerns were raised about Kelly's failure to disclose his position on the Spectrum Group, a defense contractor lobbying firm, on his ethics form when joining DHS.
Answer: True
Explanation: Concerns arose because Kelly failed to disclose his position as vice-chair on the Spectrum Group, a defense contractor lobbying firm, on his ethics form when joining DHS.
The core of the dispute between John Kelly and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson in October 2017 was about Kelly's handling of classified information.
Answer: False
Explanation: The dispute between Kelly and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson in October 2017 centered on Wilson's criticism of President Trump's phone call to a fallen soldier's widow and Kelly's subsequent inaccurate criticism of Wilson.
In an October 2017 interview, Kelly stated that the Civil War was primarily caused by the issue of slavery and described Robert E. Lee as a traitor.
Answer: False
Explanation: In an October 2017 interview, Kelly stated that 'the lack of ability to compromise led to the Civil War' and described Robert E. Lee as an 'honorable man,' not a traitor.
Historians largely agreed with John Kelly's assessment that a failure to compromise was the primary cause of the Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Several historians of the Civil War described Kelly's remarks as ignorant and a misuse of history, broadly rejecting his assertion that a failure to compromise was the primary cause of the war.
What was John F. Kelly's professional affiliation after leaving government service?
Answer: He joined the board of Caliburn International.
Explanation: After his government service, John F. Kelly became a board member at Caliburn International.
What did John Kelly confirm in October 2023 regarding Donald Trump's views on veterans and servicemembers?
Answer: Trump expressed disdain for veterans and American servicemembers killed in action.
Explanation: In October 2023, Kelly confirmed reports that Trump had expressed disdain for veterans and American servicemembers killed in action.
What conflict of interest concern was raised about Kelly's role with Caliburn International?
Answer: Caliburn International operated for-profit detention facilities for migrant children.
Explanation: Concerns arose about Kelly's appointment to the board of Caliburn International, which operates for-profit detention facilities for migrant children, sparking conflict of interest allegations.
What was the core of the dispute between John Kelly and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson in October 2017?
Answer: Wilson's criticism of President Trump's phone call to a fallen soldier's widow.
Explanation: The dispute arose when Congresswoman Frederica Wilson criticized President Trump's phone call to a fallen soldier's widow as insensitive, which Kelly then defended.
What controversial remarks did John Kelly make about the Civil War in October 2017?
Answer: He stated that 'the lack of ability to compromise led to the Civil War' and described Robert E. Lee as an 'honorable man.'
Explanation: In an October 2017 interview, Kelly stated that 'the lack of ability to compromise led to the Civil War' and described Robert E. Lee as an 'honorable man.'
How did historians react to John Kelly's Civil War remarks?
Answer: They described his remarks as ignorant and a misuse of history reminiscent of 'Lost Cause' mythology.
Explanation: Several historians of the Civil War described Kelly's remarks as ignorant and a misuse of history reminiscent of 'Lost Cause' mythology, broadly rejecting his assertion about the war's causes.
What did John Kelly recall President Trump saying about Adolf Hitler during a 2018 trip to France?
Answer: Trump said, 'Well, Hitler did a lot of good things,' referencing Germany's economic recovery.
Explanation: According to Michael C. Bender's 2021 book, Kelly recalled Trump saying, 'Well, Hitler did a lot of good things,' specifically referencing Germany's economic recovery in the 1930s.
John F. Kelly's son, First Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly, was killed in action in Iraq in 2010, making John Kelly the highest-ranking American military officer to lose a child in that conflict.
Answer: False
Explanation: John F. Kelly's son, First Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010, not Iraq.
What tragic event occurred in John F. Kelly's family in November 2010?
Answer: His son, First Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly, was killed in action in Afghanistan.
Explanation: On November 9, 2010, Kelly's 29-year-old son, First Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly, was killed in action when he stepped on a land mine while leading a platoon of Marines on patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan.
Which of the following roles did John F. Kelly hold in the U.S. government under President Donald Trump?
Answer: Secretary of Homeland Security and White House Chief of Staff
Explanation: John F. Kelly served as the Secretary of Homeland Security and later as the White House Chief of Staff under President Donald Trump.