NPR

John Kelly Claims Civil War Caused By Lack Of Compromise. History Shows Otherwise

The White House chief of staff made the remark during an interview on Fox News. Observers were quick to point out that decades of "compromise" on slavery preceded, and did not prevent, the Civil War.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly listens as President Trump speaks at the White House on Oct. 19. / Pool / Getty Images

During an interview Monday night on Fox News, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said that "the lack of the ability to compromise led to the Civil War."

His comment was swiftly countered by confounded observers, who pointed out that the Civil War was fought over slavery and that compromising on slavery would be morally unconscionable — and that the country did strike such compromises for decades and they did not, in fact, prevent war.

Kelly's remarks came after host Laura Ingraham asked about a church taking.)

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