Former National Security Adviser John Bolton is sounding an alarm about President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, warning that Trump’s decision-making process could heighten the risk of international instability.
“The risk of an international crisis of the 19th century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term,” Bolton said in an interview with The Guardian. “Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look.”
Bolton, 76, who served as Trump’s national security adviser for 17 months from April 2018 to September 2019, dismissed Trump’s claims about his ability to resolve ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, characterizing them as “typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio.”
The former adviser expressed particular concern about Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that while Trump views their relationship as a friendship, Putin considers Trump “an easy mark.” Bolton noted that Trump’s re-election could amplify his unpredictable behavior, stating, “He now feels more confident in his judgment having been re-elected, which will make it even harder to impose any kind of intellectual decision-making discipline.”
Even before taking office, Trump has made unexpected diplomatic moves that have surprised his advisers. He has threatened Canada and Mexico with 25 percent tariffs and suggested making Canada the 51st state. His foreign policy ambitions have extended to proposals about taking control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.
Bolton drew comparisons between Trump and authoritarian leaders, suggesting Trump envies the power wielded by figures like Putin and Viktor Orbán of Hungary, who “don’t have pesky independent legislatures and judiciaries and they do big guy things that Trump can’t do and he just wishes he could do.”
Despite his criticisms, Bolton has acknowledged some positive aspects of Trump’s transition team, particularly praising the potential selections of Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Mike Waltz for National Security Adviser, suggesting these appointments might help stabilize Trump’s foreign policy approach.
Bolton’s tenure in the Trump administration ended reportedly at the urging of Tucker Carlson. His own record includes serving as a senior diplomat in President George W. Bush’s administration, where he strongly advocated for the Iraq War, a position he continues to defend. Former colleagues have alleged that Bolton distorted intelligence to match his own perspectives, including making unsubstantiated claims about Cuba’s biological weapons program.
