This story was updated at 8:44 p.m.
Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, who on Thursday it was announced will become President Trump’s next national security adviser, said the White House’s issue with national security-related leaks is “completely unacceptable.”
Bolton’s comments, during an interview Thursday evening, come after briefing materials for a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin from Trump’s national security advisers were leaked earlier this week. The notes instructed Trump to not congratulate Putin for being re-elected, prompting Fox News host Martha MacCallum to ask if Trump’s actions prompted outgoing national security adviser H.R. McMaster’s exit.
“I have no idea about any of that,” Bolton said, “I will say, when I read about the leak of the notes and the subject of the conversation, I was outraged by it.”
“It’s completely unacceptable,” Bolton added. “You cannot conduct diplomacy … if some munchkin in the executive branch decided they are going to leak.”
Bolton expressed similar sentiments in a later interview with Fox Business when asked if he would take action to prevent future leaks. Bolton noted that other top officials in the White House also did not appreciate leaks.
“It’s not for them to put in jeopardy the other 300 plus million American citizens just because they think their morality is better than everybody else’s,” Bolton said of the leakers.
.@AmbJohnBolton on people leaking information from within the White House: “It’s not for them to put in jeopardy the other 300 plus million American citizens just because they think their morality is better than everybody else’s.” pic.twitter.com/8htIcNLpNa
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 23, 2018
According to a White House spokesperson, McMaster’s exit from West Wing had for a while been part of conversations between Trump and McMaster and was not connected to any leaks, which have long been an issue in the Trump White House.
Trump announced that Bolton would be replacing McMaster via a tweet Thursday evening.
“I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, @AmbJohnBolton will be my new National Security Advisor,” Trump tweeted.
“I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job & will always remain my friend. There will be an official contact handover on 4/9,” he added.
McMaster, who is an Army lieutenant general, said he will be requesting to retire from the U.S. military effective this summer. He said he plans to leave public service following his retirement.
“I am thankful to President Donald J. Trump for the opportunity to serve him and our nation as national security advisor,” McMaster said in a statement. “I am grateful for the friendship and support of the members of the National Security Council who worked together to provide the President with the best options to protect and advance our national interests.”
Bolton had previously been in the running for secretary of state before Trump nominated Rex Tillerson, who was fired last week.
