A former George W. Bush national security adviser said Sunday John Bolton’s hawkish approach to foreign policy “has been a little bit extreme,” but added “on balance” Bolton was “an asset” to Bush when he served as his ambassador to the U.N.
President Trump named Bolton his new national security adviser, to replace H.R. McMcaster.
“He has strong views, but he was, I think, on balance an asset for the president,” Stephen Hadley told ABC’s “This Week,” praising Bolton as “a very capable fellow.”
Former Bush National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley tells @MarthaRaddatz that Pres. Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser @AmbJohnBolton “has strong views, but he was… on balance an asset for [President Bush].” #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/qadxPUZEhf
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 25, 2018
“On the issue of a lot of concern about whether Bolton will take the country to war,” Hadley continued, “it is the president that makes those decisions.”
Former Bush National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley: “On the issue of a lot of concern about whether Bolton will take the country to war… it is the president that makes those decisions. I think the rhetoric out of John Bolton has been a little bit extreme for my taste.” pic.twitter.com/nEr54bNBlA
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 25, 2018
Hadley, however, admitted he thought “the rhetoric out of John Bolton has been a little bit extreme for my taste.”
While Hadley said Bolton’s seemingly close personal relationship with Trump was promising for foreign affairs, he emphasized the importance that Bolton also work well with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and new Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo.
In addition, Hadley issued a warning for Trump should the president decide to “rip up” the Iran nuclear deal.
“One of the consequences may be both a resumption by Iran of their enrichment program, and it would be alienating our friends and allies,” he said.
Bolton, a Fox News commentator, was Bush’s ambassador to the U.N. from 2005 to 2006.
