Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton delivered a scathing criticism of Donald Trump, questioning his suitability to become a dictator and highlighting his lack of political philosophy. Bolton, who was sacked by Trump in September 2019, expressed doubts about Trump's capabilities and approach to governance in an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro.
Bolton dismissed the notion of Trump having dictatorial tendencies, stating, "He hasn’t got the brains! He’s a property developer for God’s sake." This remark followed Trump's own comments about his desire to be a dictator for "one day" during a previous speech.
Moreover, Bolton emphasized that Trump lacked a coherent political philosophy and often made decisions based on short-term considerations rather than a long-term vision. He described Trump's approach as "episodic, anecdotal, transactional," suggesting that decisions were contingent on personal or political benefits for Trump himself.
Bolton also raised concerns about the potential consequences of a Trump reelection, including the possibility of the US withdrawing from NATO. Trump had been critical of NATO during his presidency, frequently questioning its value and suggesting that the US was paying more than its fair share.
The former NSA's comments shed light on the tumultuous relationship between Bolton and Trump, characterized by significant policy disagreements and clashes over foreign policy issues.
