President Trump ousts National Security Advisor John Bolton

In a surprise announcement on Twitter, President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he has asked for the resignation - and received it - from National Security Advisor John Bolton, saying the two men had strong disagreements on a series of foreign policy issues.

“I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration,” the President wrote on Twitter.

“I will be naming a new National Security Advisor next week,” Mr. Trump added.

Bolton had reported differed with President Trump on U.S. foreign policy questions about Afghanistan, and Iran.

Back in July, there was evidence of obvious differences, as while President Trump made a historic walk across the DMZ into North Korea, Bolton had been sent to Mongolia for meetings with government officials there.

While President Trump valued Bolton, there was never any question as to who was the boss in their relationship.

“John Bolton is doing a very good job,” the President told reporters in June,  “but he takes a - generally, a tough posture.

“But I have other people that don't take that posture. But the only one that matters is me because I'll listen to everybody,” the President added.

Bolton did get one last word after the President's announcement, acknowledging that he had offered his resignation.

Bolton had reportedly objected to President Trump's idea to bring leaders of the Taliban to Camp David, in order to sign a peace agreement involving the war in Afghanistan, as his hawkish views on foreign policy ran counter to what the President wanted to achieve.

In Congress, Democrats said the ouster of Bolton signified one thing.

“But let’s be clear: this kind of turnover at the highest level demonstrates Trump is incapable of running a stable, functioning government,” said Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA).

“Hiring a terrible person and then firing him doesn’t deserve praise just like almost hosting the Taliban at Camp David is not a 'good call,'” said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Asked about Bolton's ouster, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Bolton's 'priorities and policies just don't line up with the President.”

About the Author