President Donald Trump on Thursday announced on Twitter that former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will replace Gen. H.R. McMaster as the National Security Adviser.
Bolton will officially assume the role on April 9, Trump tweeted.
“I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, [John Bolton] will be my new National Security Advisor. I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster, who has done an outstanding job and will always remain my friend. There will be an official contact handover on 4/9.”
(Twitter)
While there have been talks for several weeks about possibly replace McMaster, those efforts were recently accelerated, which led to the selection of Bolton, according to the New York Times.
Analysts believe that Trump is keen on filling out his revamped national security team prior to meeting with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
McMaster “mutually agreed” with the White House that he would resign from the position.
“After thirty-four years of service to our nation, I am requesting retirement from the U.S. Army effective this summer after which I will leave public service. Throughout my career it has been my greatest privilege top serve alongside extraordinary servicemembers and dedicated civilians,” McMaster said.
“I am thankful to President Donald J. Trump for the opportunity to serve him and our nation as national security adviser. 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,” McMaster added.
(Twitter)
Bolton, who is a frequent contributor on Fox News, has met with President Trump repeatedly since he took office.
Bolton served as U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006. He also served as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from 2001 to 2005.
Bolton, who is 69, has advocated for military action to be taken against Iran and North Korea, according to the BBC. He is popular with hard-line conservatives for his tough and hawkish foreign policy. Bolton was one of the leading advocates for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
He issued a statement, Axios reported:
“It is an honor to be asked by President Trump to serve as his National Security Advisor. I humbly accept his offer. The United States currently faces a wide array of issues and I look forward to working with President Trump and his leadership team in addressing these complex challenges in an effort to make our country safer at home and stronger abroad.”
In a memoir, Bolton recalled that he felt like a “space alien” on the Yale University campus, since he was surrounded by anti-Vietnam war activists.
Sen. Marco Rubio praised the selection of Bolton on Twitter.
“I know John Bolton well, he is an excellent choice who will do an great job as National Security Advisor. General McMaster has served and will continue to serve our nation well. We should all be grateful to him for his service,” he tweeted.
(Twitter)
