Donald Trump’s former national security adviser says Trump’s claims about being the only one who could prevent a third world war or resolve conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine are laughable.
John Bolton, Donald Trump’s former national security adviser turned vocal critic, delivered a scathing Christmas Eve analysis of the former president’s capabilities, forecasting a chaotic and perilous second term should Trump return to the White House... Continue reading here ▶
In an interview with The Guardian, Bolton painted a grim picture, warning that a major international crisis is far more likely to erupt under Trump’s leadership, citing the former president’s lack of focus, disinterest in facts, and absence of a coherent national security strategy.
“The world is more dangerous than when he was president before,” Bolton said. “It’s typical Trump: all braggadocio, no substance. His claims about being the only one who could prevent a third world war or resolve conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine are laughable.”
Bolton, who also served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under George W. Bush, criticized Trump’s erratic decision-making, describing it as guided by “personal relationships and a series of neuron flashes,” rather than any grounded philosophy or strategy.
“He doesn’t know much about foreign policy,” Bolton remarked. “He’s not a big reader, barely touches briefing papers, and doesn’t see the importance of facts. His decisions are driven by his gut, not by reason or informed judgment.”
The long-time Republican warned that Trump’s overconfidence, bolstered by a hypothetical re-election, would likely exacerbate his impulsive tendencies.
“He now feels vindicated in his judgment, which will make it even harder to impose intellectual discipline on his decision-making,” Bolton noted. “I’m deeply concerned about how dangerous things could get.”
Bolton’s stark critique underscored his belief that Trump’s leadership style is ill-suited to manage the complexities of global crises. Reflecting on Trump’s first term, Bolton pointed out that the only major challenge during that time—Covid-19—was a long-term health crisis, not a geopolitical conflict.
With rising tensions worldwide, Bolton fears Trump’s second term could bring the kind of high-stakes international crises reminiscent of the 19th century.
While Bolton acknowledged Trump’s ability to be “charming” when it suited him, he ultimately painted a bleak picture of what the future could hold: “A second term of chaos and unpredictability.”
