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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
(32 minutes later)
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.”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.“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."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.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 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.”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.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?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.”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.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.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/Wwl6WTUTeeTreasury 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.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.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.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 - @PeterAlexanderCharlie 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 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.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 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.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.‘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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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/JMR0GkLdQrBREAKING: 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 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.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.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.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.
Bolton appears to be texting every reporter whose number he has in his contacts list, reiterating that he was not fired and offered his resignation last night.
Bolton differs from Trump version of his resignation. "Offered last night without his asking," he texts me. "Slept on it and gave it to him this morning."
The ousted national security adviser also said he would “have my say in due course,” a potentially ominous idea for a presidency that has been repeatedly derailed by former aides’ tell-all books.
Ambassador Bolton to me just now: “I will have my say in due course. But I have given you the facts on the resignation. My sole concern is US national security.”
To be clear: Bolton isn’t necessarily gaining any friends in this showdown. Many of the hawkish national security adviser’s critics, on both sides of the aisle, are celebrating his departure.
A Republican senator who opposed his nomination said this to a CNN reporter:
Rand Paul, a leading John Bolton critic, told us of his firing: “The chances of war worldwide go greatly down. .. he has a naive view that believes we should recreate the world in our own image by toppling countries by violent overthrow and somehow democracy will prevail.”
From the congressman who cut ties with the Republican Party over its Trump support:
John Bolton never should have been hired. I hope the president’s next national security adviser will focus on securing peace, not expanding war.
From a senior adviser to Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg:
Me, trying to decide who to root for/against in this scenario https://t.co/gih8H2hwg2 pic.twitter.com/LGkedW7tqi
Bolton is not going down without a fight. After tweeting that he offered his resignation to Trump, the now-former national security adviser is apparently reaching out to reporters to amplify that narrative.
Ambassador Bolton sends me a text message just now: “Let’s be clear, I resigned, having offered to do so last night.”
The White House denied that Bolton’s firing was based solely on his opposition to the planned Taliban peace talks at Camp David.
I just asked WH press secretary Stephanie Grisham if the Taliban invitation was the breaking point in the Trump-Bolton relationship. She said “no- it was many, many issues.”
But Trump has historically held grudges against aides who disagree with him, particularly when those aides receive favorable press coverage for doing so.
After many lawmakers, including some Republicans, voiced shock at the proposal to host the Taliban so close to the 9/11 anniversary, Bolton’s reported opposition appeared quite sage.
Bolton has just sent out a fiery tweet of his own, claiming he offered Trump his resignation last night and the president delayed the decision.
I offered to resign last night and President Trump said, "Let's talk about it tomorrow."
In contrast, the president said he requested Bolton’s resignation last night, which was offered this morning.
The national security adviser had been repeatedly sidelined recently as he voiced disagreement with Trump’s efforts to secure an end to the war in Afghanistan.
The Washington Post recently reported:
Bolton, who has long advocated an expansive military presence around the world, has become a staunch internal foe of an emerging peace deal aimed at ending America’s longest war, the officials said.
His opposition to the diplomatic effort in Afghanistan has irritated President Trump, these officials said, and led aides to leave the National Security Council out of sensitive discussions about the agreement.
The sidelining of Bolton has raised questions about his influence in an administration that is seeking a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, as well as an ambitious nuclear deal with North Korea and potential engagement with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Bolton, U.S. officials said, stands in opposition to those efforts, but he does so increasingly from the periphery.
This tweet is likely shocking news to both Bolton and the White House, who just announced that the national security adviser would appear alongside Mike Pompeo and Steven Mnuchin at a press briefing at 1:30 p.m. E.T.
He was literally announced on an updating briefing schedule in last few hours for today. https://t.co/3u3Xupxqqn
Trump has just announced that he has fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser opposed the president’s secret plan to hold peace talks with the Taliban at Camp David.
....I asked John for his resignation, which was given to me this morning. I thank John very much for his service. I will be naming a new National Security Advisor next week.
Democratic presidential candidates are also coming out in force to endorse congressional candidate Dan McCready, who is running in today’s special election in North Carolina.
I support @McCreadyForNC because of his honorable service to our nation & because of his values: he'll fight to protect North Carolinian’s health care & take on prescription drug companies.If his opponent has his way, 44,000 people in #NC09 stand to lose their health coverage.
Dan is running to flip a seat Republicans have held since 1963—and today, you can help him do it. If you’re in North Carolina’s 9th district, get out and vote to elect Dan and send a message that Democrats aren’t only coming for safe seats. We’re coming for all of them. https://t.co/3E5vL1QSBl
It's Election Day in North Carolina. If you're ready for leadership that puts country over party and people over ideology, then @McCreadyForNC needs your help—and your vote.Volunteer: https://t.co/EfOWaCdSD1 Donate: https://t.co/By1Um5mefiVote: https://t.co/iyjmoZOf0q
Democratic presidential candidates rushed to condemn Trump’s health care policies after the Census reported the US uninsured rate rose last year despite the strong economy.
Trump and Republicans sabotaged the Affordable Care Act at every turn. They played politics with health care and now Americans are paying the price. https://t.co/cvXiUXtn0I
Mr. Trump lied. He promised to strengthen health care—instead, he has done everything he can to sabotage the Affordable Care Act.The result: Nearly two million people joined the ranks of the uninsured last year, the first increase in the uninsured rate in a decade. https://t.co/ZmmX8eXxQG
The Democratic 2020 field is unanimous in its condemnation of the Trump administration’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but candidates differ strongly on whether to simply expand Obamacare or overhaul it with a Medicare-for-all system.
And with Democratic voters similarly divided over which system is best, the issue is sure to be one of the most prominent in the primary race.