Donald Trump has launched his campaign of retribution, with one of his earliest actions targeting John Bolton, who served as his national security adviser during his first term. Bolton, who detailed his tenure in the memoir The Room Where It Happened, faced harsh backlash from Trump for the book’s scathing critique. Among the first steps Trump took upon returning to the White House was stripping Bolton of his security clearance. In an executive order explaining the decision, Trump stated: “The memoir’s reckless treatment of sensitive information undermined the ability of future presidents to request and obtain candid advice on matters of national security from their staff. Publication also created a grave risk that classified material was publicly exposed.”
The animosity between Trump and Bolton is longstanding, with Trump frequently attacking Bolton in public statements. In 2020, Trump took to Twitter to denounce him, writing: “John Bolton was one of the dumbest people in government that I’ve had the ‘pleasure’ to work with. A sullen, dull and quiet guy, he added nothing to National Security except, ‘Gee, let’s go to war.’ Also, illegally released much Classified Information. A real dope!“
Trump’s disdain for Bolton reportedly extended beyond disagreements over policy or conduct. At one point, Trump is said to have dismissed the idea of offering Bolton a Cabinet position, allegedly because of his facial hair. According to Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, “Bolton’s mustache is a problem. Trump doesn’t think he looks the part.” Bannon added, “You know Bolton is an acquired taste.”
{Matzav.com}