Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a respected conservative appointed by President George H.W. Bush, is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump.
Luttig, who has been a critic of Trump, describes Trump’s candidacy as a serious threat to American democracy.This marks Luttig’s first time voting for a Democrat.
He stated that in the 2024 presidential election, only Harris represents a commitment to defending American democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law.
Luttig, who previously influenced then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify the 2020 election, now argues that partisan lines should be disregarded to prevent Trump’s return.
Luttig’s endorsement highlights the widening rift between traditional Republicans and the current Trump-aligned GOP.
He criticizes both Trump and the Republican Party for undermining democracy, noting the long-lasting negative effects on public trust in elections and constitutional democracy.
Luttig’s support for Harris aligns with his recent approval of some Biden administration decisions, such as the nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
His endorsement follows similar support from other high-profile Republicans.
Luttig emphasized that his decision was guided by a sense of moral obligation, stating that remaining silent would have been unacceptable.
