John Bolton Declares Trump “Not Competent” to Be President
In a striking condemnation from within his own party, former National Security Advisor John Bolton has publicly stated that Donald Trump is not fit to serve as President of the United States. Bolton’s comments came during a candid interview where he addressed direct attacks from Trump and explained his deep concerns about the former president’s leadership and decision-making abilities, marking a significant fracture within the Republican establishment.
Bolton Fires Back at Trump’s Personal Attacks
When asked about Trump’s recent insults, including claims that he was a “liar” and a “washed-up guy” who broke the law, John Bolton responded with a characteristically sharp retort, suggesting “whoever hired Bolton should get fired.” He defended his long career of being forthright with his views, asserting that Trump knew exactly what he was getting when he appointed him. Bolton framed the issue as a fundamental test of leadership, stating that a true leader, whether a president or a small business owner, must be willing to own the decisions they make.
A Scathing Assessment of Trump’s Competence
The core of Bolton’s criticism focused on Trump’s fundamental suitability for office. He stated plainly, “No, I don’t think he’s competent to be president.” Bolton elaborated that Trump seems “proud of not learning much about the subject matter of national security,” a grave concern from a former security advisor. He further argued that Trump’s political instincts are solely self-serving, focused on benefiting Donald Trump rather than the nation, and that his communication style has degraded the country’s political discourse.
Analysis of the Impeachment “Malpractice”
The interview also delved into the first impeachment trial, where Bolton was a central figure. He stood by his previous accusation of Democratic “impeachment malpractice,” arguing that their rushed, narrow focus on the Ukraine scandal immediately drove Republicans into a defensive position. This strategy, he claimed, guaranteed a party-line vote in both the House and Senate from the outset, making conviction impossible. When pressed, Bolton conceded he likely would have considered Trump’s actions regarding Ukraine an impeachable offense, though he noted that not all “reprehensible” conduct meets that high bar.
Bolton’s 2025 Plan and the GOP’s Future
In perhaps his most revealing comment, John Bolton disclosed his voting intentions for November, declaring he will not vote for Donald Trump. Significantly, he also stated he will not vote for President Biden, distancing himself from other anti-Trump Republicans who have pledged to support the Democratic incumbent. Instead, Bolton looks beyond the election, asserting that the “battle for the soul of the Republican party” must begin the day after the election, regardless of the outcome, signaling his intent to continue his fight against Trump’s influence within the GOP.
