Carper Statement on Trump’s Selection of John Bolton to Serve as National Security Advisor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), senior member and former chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the announcement that President Trump has named John Bolton to be his national security advisor.

“In 2005, John Bolton was too extreme to be confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate. Today, we are living in an increasingly fragile world. It’s hard to imagine a more dangerous pick for President Trump’s national security advisor than John Bolton. 

“In such a chaotic administration, General McMaster was a steady hand. Ambassador Bolton is an individual whose first instinct always seems to be employing the use of military force and, I fear, may confirm President Trump’s worst impulses. From his ardent support of the Iraq War even to this day, to his attempts to justify a preemptive strike against North Korea and his calls for President Trump to rip up the Iran Deal, Ambassador Bolton’s record is reckless and warrants serious concern. 

“I thank General McMaster for his service to our country. I would also urge Ambassador Bolton to moderate his stances as he accepts this important role, but I fear that counting on him to do so might be the triumph of hope over experience.”

###