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John Bolton fired as Trump's national security adviser – live news John Bolton fired as Trump's national security adviser – live news
(31 minutes later)
A handful of Democratic presidential candidates have offered the same message to the departing national security adviser: we won’t miss you.
The American people are better off with John Bolton out of the White House. The world will be better off when the man who hired him in the first place is out too.
A symptom of the problem is gone. The root cause of authoritarianism remains. https://t.co/EvXAY0gsPU
Good riddance. If Trump really was for peace, he never would have hired Bolton, Pompeo, Haley, and the rest of those neocons in the first place. https://t.co/r93PizuEco
Bolton’s nomination as national security adviser was widely criticized by Democrats when it was announced in March 2018, given the former UN ambassador’s support for using military force against adversaries like North Korea and Iran.
Those stances initially sat well with Trump, who once promised “fire and fury” against North Korea. But the president has more recently shifted that position after meeting with Kim Jong-un, calling the North Korean dictator “a great leader.”
Bolton was the wrong messenger for Trump’s shifting foreign policy as the president angles for re-election, the Guardian’s Julian Borger writes.
Donald Trump hired Bolton to break things, like the Obama administration legacy and the orthodox foreign policy establishment in general. Now, with the 2020 election coming, a downturn looming and a second presidential term in doubt, Trump is trying to build a foreign policy legacy of his own – or at least a reasonable impression of one.
For the president, that involves shaking hands with adversaries and announcing diplomatic breakthroughs with the likes of Tehran and the Taliban. Almost no one expected him to be able to make that hairpin pivot with someone as bellicose and determined as Bolton at his side.
Trump wants to build a legacy, Bolton to break things – something had to give
Bolton’s resignation letter has been obtained, and it is indeed (as previously reported) two sentences long.Bolton’s resignation letter has been obtained, and it is indeed (as previously reported) two sentences long.
.@AmbJohnBolton resignation letter (better photo) pic.twitter.com/I5qv8xOl1d.@AmbJohnBolton resignation letter (better photo) pic.twitter.com/I5qv8xOl1d
It’s notable that the ousted national security adviser chose not to detail his policy differences with Trump in the letter, as former defense secretary Jim Mattis did when he resigned in December.It’s notable that the ousted national security adviser chose not to detail his policy differences with Trump in the letter, as former defense secretary Jim Mattis did when he resigned in December.
Bolton has said he was not fired and that he offered his resignation last night. But if that’s the case, one might expect a bit more ... elaboration in his resignation letter.Bolton has said he was not fired and that he offered his resignation last night. But if that’s the case, one might expect a bit more ... elaboration in his resignation letter.
Then again, Bolton said Trump offered to discuss the issue further today. So the president’s tweet may still have caught the national security adviser off guard, particularly given that Bolton was supposed to participate in a White House briefing this afternoon.Then again, Bolton said Trump offered to discuss the issue further today. So the president’s tweet may still have caught the national security adviser off guard, particularly given that Bolton was supposed to participate in a White House briefing this afternoon.
News is coming out on multiple fronts as reactions and details continue to roll in about Trump’s firing of Bolton.News is coming out on multiple fronts as reactions and details continue to roll in about Trump’s firing of Bolton.
Most notably, congressional Democrats and Republicans continue to spar about potential gun legislation after last month’s mass shootings that left dozens dead.Most notably, congressional Democrats and Republicans continue to spar about potential gun legislation after last month’s mass shootings that left dozens dead.
Mitch McConnell said he was waiting on the White House to craft a bill Trump would sign, arguing everything else surrounding the gun debate was “theatrics.”Mitch McConnell said he was waiting on the White House to craft a bill Trump would sign, arguing everything else surrounding the gun debate was “theatrics.”
Those “theatrics” would appear to include the three gun bills House Democrats are currently attempting to advance. The background checks bill they passed months ago has never been brought up for a vote in the Senate, and Trump has said he would veto it.Those “theatrics” would appear to include the three gun bills House Democrats are currently attempting to advance. The background checks bill they passed months ago has never been brought up for a vote in the Senate, and Trump has said he would veto it.
Schumer just asked about McConnell's theatrics comments, offers a clipped reply, then walks away from the mics."Shame on him. Shame on him. There are people who dies. Put the bill on the floor and stop ducking the issue. Shame on him." https://t.co/AmP8cbrZ47Schumer just asked about McConnell's theatrics comments, offers a clipped reply, then walks away from the mics."Shame on him. Shame on him. There are people who dies. Put the bill on the floor and stop ducking the issue. Shame on him." https://t.co/AmP8cbrZ47
Chuck Schumer denounced McConnell’s “theatrics” comment. “Shame on him,” the Senate minority leader said at his press conference.Chuck Schumer denounced McConnell’s “theatrics” comment. “Shame on him,” the Senate minority leader said at his press conference.
Rose-colored glasses are apparently quite powerful. Trump has reportedly been reaching out to the last national security adviser he unceremoniously ousted, H.R. McMaster, to say he misses him.Rose-colored glasses are apparently quite powerful. Trump has reportedly been reaching out to the last national security adviser he unceremoniously ousted, H.R. McMaster, to say he misses him.
NBC News reports:NBC News reports:
In phone calls to McMaster — the first of which took place last fall — Trump told his second national security adviser that he misses him, according to two people familiar with the conversations. It’s a sentiment the president has also expressed to White House aides, they said. Trump has solicited McMaster’s advice on various national security challenges, even asking McMaster who he should nominate to lead the Pentagon, they said.In phone calls to McMaster — the first of which took place last fall — Trump told his second national security adviser that he misses him, according to two people familiar with the conversations. It’s a sentiment the president has also expressed to White House aides, they said. Trump has solicited McMaster’s advice on various national security challenges, even asking McMaster who he should nominate to lead the Pentagon, they said.
Trump’s contacts with McMaster perhaps presaged his decision Tuesday to unceremoniously fire Bolton. They also marked a significant a remarkable shift for the president that is emblematic of how much Bolton fell out of favor since Trump welcomed him into the White House 17 months ago. At that time, Trump was barely speaking to McMaster and regularly did derogatory impressions of him in his absence, according to multiple current and former White House officials.Trump’s contacts with McMaster perhaps presaged his decision Tuesday to unceremoniously fire Bolton. They also marked a significant a remarkable shift for the president that is emblematic of how much Bolton fell out of favor since Trump welcomed him into the White House 17 months ago. At that time, Trump was barely speaking to McMaster and regularly did derogatory impressions of him in his absence, according to multiple current and former White House officials.
Trump has just finished speaking at the HBCU conference, but the blog is keeping its eye on press conferences on Capitol Hill.Trump has just finished speaking at the HBCU conference, but the blog is keeping its eye on press conferences on Capitol Hill.
Mitch McConnell would not specify what type of gun legislation he would support, deferring to the White House.Mitch McConnell would not specify what type of gun legislation he would support, deferring to the White House.
When asked about action on guns, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the White House is "working on coming up with a proposal that the president will sign.""Until that happens, all of this is theatrics," he adds. https://t.co/ewh2KTL8ia pic.twitter.com/6lMGI6fzvxWhen asked about action on guns, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the White House is "working on coming up with a proposal that the president will sign.""Until that happens, all of this is theatrics," he adds. https://t.co/ewh2KTL8ia pic.twitter.com/6lMGI6fzvx
The Senate majority leader previously said he would not hold a vote on any gun proposal unless it had Trump’s endorsement, seemingly ruling out the background checks bill that has already passed the House. Trump has said he would veto that legislation.The Senate majority leader previously said he would not hold a vote on any gun proposal unless it had Trump’s endorsement, seemingly ruling out the background checks bill that has already passed the House. Trump has said he would veto that legislation.
Another three proposals that House Democrats are working to pass after last month’s mass shootings would likely also be dead on arrival in the Senate.Another three proposals that House Democrats are working to pass after last month’s mass shootings would likely also be dead on arrival in the Senate.
Trump appeared anxious to confront the eventual Democratic presidential nominee, saying he looked forward to touting his economic successes on the debate stage.Trump appeared anxious to confront the eventual Democratic presidential nominee, saying he looked forward to touting his economic successes on the debate stage.
“Who’s going to beat these numbers?” Trump asked the crowd at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference after listing some unemployment statistics.“Who’s going to beat these numbers?” Trump asked the crowd at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference after listing some unemployment statistics.
Trump dismissed any sign of a looming recession while speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference.Trump dismissed any sign of a looming recession while speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference.
The president suggested warnings of a potential recession were being circulated by his critics to diminish his re-election chances. “They were hoping for a recession,” Trump said, adding that he expects the stock market to hit a new record in the near future.The president suggested warnings of a potential recession were being circulated by his critics to diminish his re-election chances. “They were hoping for a recession,” Trump said, adding that he expects the stock market to hit a new record in the near future.
A new poll released this morning showed 6 in 10 Americans believe a recession is likely within the next year.A new poll released this morning showed 6 in 10 Americans believe a recession is likely within the next year.
Trump has taken the stage at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference and appears to (so far) be sticking to the teleprompter.Trump has taken the stage at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference and appears to (so far) be sticking to the teleprompter.
He has touted the importance of HBCUs and celebrated his education secretary, Betsy DeVos, as a champion for the institutions.He has touted the importance of HBCUs and celebrated his education secretary, Betsy DeVos, as a champion for the institutions.
Trump is expected to soon start speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference. The president was scheduled to take the podium at 2:15 p.m. E.T. but is apparently running behind.Trump is expected to soon start speaking at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference. The president was scheduled to take the podium at 2:15 p.m. E.T. but is apparently running behind.
Pompeo made a point during the White House press conference, which has now wrapped up, to emphasize he had policy disagreements with Bolton.
Asked about his working relationship with Bolton, Pompeo says "There were many times Amb. Bolton and I disagreed – that’s To. Be. Sure." Did the timing of his exit take him by surprise?"I’m never surprised – and I don’t mean just on this issue." https://t.co/1r6Ubqa4Ao
The secretary of state, who reportedly clashed with Bolton repeatedly in recent months, appeared (in the words of one reporter) “almost gleeful” as he discussed the national security adviser’s departure.
This widely shared photo of Pompeo and Mnuchin seemed a perfect encapsulation of their dynamic.
Some days the picture says it all: https://t.co/cp1VW4FzEw
Steven Mnuchin dismissed any notion that Bolton’s departure signaled the national security team was a “mess.”
“That’s the most ridiculous question I’ve ever heard,” the treasury secretary said.
Reporter: "Is this national security staff a mess."Mnuchin: "Absolutely not. That's the most ridiculous question I've heard of."
That being said, Trump has had three national security advisers since taking office, and Barack Obama had the same number over two terms. George W. Bush only had two over his eight years in office.
Pompeo delivered a pretty iconic response when asked whether he was caught off-guard by Bolton’s firing. “I’m never surprised,” the secretary of state said.
Pompeo went on to scold the press, encouraging journalists not to focus on “palace intrigue.”
The recommendation seems odd given all the reporting about Pompeo and Bolton’s relationship, which had deteriorated to the point where the pair rarely spoke outside of formal meetings.
There it is! First question at the White House briefing with Mike Pompeo and Steven Mnuchin: did Bolton resign, or was he fired?
The secretary of state echoed Trump’s claim that he asked Bolton for his resignation last night and received it this morning. Pompeo added, “The president is entitled to the staff he wants.”
But Pompeo deflected when asked whether the argument over the planned Taliban peace talks was the impetus for Bolton’s departure.
Steven Mnuchin, the treasury secretary, and Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, have taken the podium at the White House.
Treasury Sec. Mnuchin and State Sec. Pompeo announce new terrorist sanctions executive order.But briefing room is interested in Bolton. pic.twitter.com/Wwl6WTUTee
The pair are currently speaking about a new executive order on counter-terrorism sanctions, and Mnuchin said they would then take a few questions.
It seems unlikely that those questions will center on counter-terrorism sanctions, given that the now-fired John Bolton was originally scheduled to appear alongside the two officials.
NBC News is reporting that deputy national security adviser Charlie Kupperman has been named the acting national security adviser.
Charlie Kupperman will be acting national security adviser following the firing of John Bolton, White House says - @PeterAlexander
Kupperman was appointed earlier this year amid intense criticism from civil rights group. Al Jazeera reported back in January:
Kupperman served on the board of directors for the Center for Security Policy (CSP) between 2001 and 2010, according to tax records.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an Alabama-based hate monitor, designates the CSP as an anti-Muslim hate group, pointing to the group’s promotion of conspiracy theories claiming that Muslims have infiltrated the US government and seek to establish Islamic law in the country.
The Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on the Trump administration to revoke Kupperman’s appointment.
‘Once again this is an example of Trump elevating foxes into the hen house, where Islamophobes are well placed to direct our nation’s national security priorities,’ Robert McCaw, director of CAIR’s government affairs department, told Al Jazeera.
White House spokesperson Hogan Gidley went on Fox News to echo Trump’s claim that Bolton was fired and did not resign.
That obviously contradicts Bolton’s assertion that he offered Trump his resignation last night and the president said they would discuss it today.
Gidley emphasized that Bolton’s priorities “did not align with President Trump’s,” arguing that Trump “has the right” to appoint people who agree with him.
Although Gidley said he was “not going to get in the back and forth here,” he did take a moment to stress that Trump asked for Bolton’s resignation. Gidley said the White House was “in the process” of searching for a new national security adviser.
Bolton’s firing followed a tense argument with Trump about the planned Taliban peace talks, per a CNN reporter.
John Bolton and President Trump got into a bitter argument last night over the president’s plan to host Taliban leaders at Camp David, two people tell me. It’s unclear if it was on the phone or in person.
Another CNN reporter noted the firing was so sudden that Bolton led a meeting this morning, similar to James Comey learning he had been fired as FBI director by a cable news alert while speaking in California.
Bolton's firing was so sudden that he was leading a principals committee this morning on the refugee cap for next fiscal year, an administration official tells me.The meeting ended just ONE HOUR before Trump tweeted that he had fired Bolton, the official says.
The effects of Trump’s firing decisions (by tweet, no less) have once again reverberated around the world. The price of oil immediately nosedived after news of Bolton’s departure broke.
BREAKING: JOHN BOLTON FIREDPrice of oil immediately dives. https://t.co/rVwPULfZmw pic.twitter.com/JMR0GkLdQr
Bolton has reportedly left the White House and will no longer participate in the afternoon briefing with Mike Pompeo and Steven Mnuchin, much to the disappointment of Washington’s press corps.
Bolton is no longer in the building here at the White House. He will not participate in the 1:30p briefing, I’m told.
Meanwhile, Bolton’s now-former employees at the National Security Council are telling reporters his side of the story, creating tension with the White House aides promoting Trump’s version of events.
Palpable tension between WH & NSC staffs right now.A pro-Bolton NSC official came to speak with reporters inside the West Wing when Press Secy Stephanie Grisham walked by, gave a look & said: "Oh look, right outside my office" as she walked past.