Bolton: Trump ‘Not Fit to Be President,’ Former Advisor Says After Musk Interview
By Jake Beardslee ·
August 13, 2024
In a recent CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins, former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton cast doubt on the former president's claims about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The discussion came in the wake of a conversation between Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, during which Trump recounted an alleged exchange with Putin regarding Ukraine. U.S. Department of State from United States / Wikimedia
Former President and current Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump participated in a lengthy interview on Monday, hosted by tech magnate Elon Musk on the social media platform X. The highly anticipated event, which lasted approximately two hours, was marked by significant technical difficulties that pushed back its start time by over 40 minutes. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019, refuted Trump's account of warning Putin against invading Ukraine. "I think Trump's making that up," Bolton stated bluntly. "He certainly didn't have that conversation with Putin when I was in the White House. I don't believe he had it before then." Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
The former advisor went further, suggesting that Trump's portrayal of his influence over Putin was misguided. Based on his observations of their interactions, Bolton concluded, "Putin essentially thinks that Trump is an easy mark. He doesn't respect him, but he understands that using flattery with Trump can get him a long way." Kremlin.ru / Wikimedia
Trump's recent conversation with Elon Musk, which reportedly faced technical delays, included the former president's recollection of a discussion with Putin. Trump claimed he told Putin, "Don't do it, Vladimir," regarding Ukraine, adding, "I told him things that what I would do, and he said, no way. And I said, way." Greg Lovett / USA TODAY NETWORK
Bolton dismissed this account, stating, "This is another case of Trump making things up that it's hard to prove or disprove." He added that such claims fit "the persona that Trump thinks he has." Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
The interview also touched on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Bolton offering insights into recent Ukrainian military advances into Russian territory. However, the focus remained largely on Trump's assertions and Bolton's skepticism. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
"He knows very little history," Bolton stated, adding that Trump's recounting of conversations "is one more demonstration that he's just not fit to be president." Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
