2020 election: Hundreds of ex-national security officers endorse 'honest' Biden over 'disdainful' Trump

Hundreds of retired US generals, admirals, and other national security and defence officials have endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden over Donald Trump, including two four-star officers who served for years high up in the Trump administration.

More than 500 such former officials, who span the political spectrum and have served for in both Republican and Democratic administrations dating back decades, signed an open letter on Thursday disavowing Mr Trump’s leadership and backing Mr Biden as “the leader our nation needs.”

“While some of us may have different opinions on particular policy matters, we trust Joe Biden's positions are rooted in sound judgment, thorough understanding, and fundamental values,” the officials wrote in their letter.

“The current President has demonstrated he is not equal to the enormous responsibilities of his office; he cannot rise to meet challenges large or small. Thanks to his disdainful attitude and his failures, our allies no longer trust or respect us, and our enemies no longer fear us,” they wrote.