Australia and the World Past and Present

John Bolton, National Security Advisor in Donald Trump’s first term, has served in every Republican administration since Ronald Reagan.

In the Reagan era, he held various legal and policy roles.

In 1981-82 he was Assistant Administrator for Program and Policy Coordination at the US Agency for International Development (USAID). There, he oversaw policy development and evaluated foreign aid programs.

In 1982-1983, he was General Counsel at USAID. He was the chief legal officer and advised on international law and foreign aid agreements.

In the late 1980s he served as Assistant Attorney General in the office of Legislative affairs and the US Department of Justice. He was the liaison between the Justice Department and Congress. He managed the administration’s legislative agenda and dealt with judicial appointments and foreign affairs legislation.

In George H.G. Bush’s administration, he served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organisation Affairs (1989-1993). This role was based out of the State Department. Bolton oversaw US policy towards the UN. Bolton’s exposure to the UN further cemented his skepticism of international bodies.

Bolton had gained wide experience within multiple federal government departments and his star was on the rise

He rose to become Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs in George W. Bush’s administration. Between 2001 and 2005 he worked on arms control and nonproliferation. He became very critical of the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs.

He advocated for a US withdrawal from the ABM Treaty. He supported the invasion of Iraq, citing alleged weapons of mass destruction.

Bolton was then sent to the very institution that he held in such low esteem – the UN, where he was US Ambassador.

Bolton argued that the institution needed to be reformed. He accused it of having an anti-US bias and he was a supporter US unilateral actions.

He worked in the first Trump administration for a time, but he butted heads with the President. He subsequently published a book entitled “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir”, detailing his experience working for Trump.

The book was highly critical of Trump. Some Republicans have criticised the publication of the book as it was released while Trump was still serving as President and seeking reelection. Bolton has pointed out that this is not without precedent.

Bolton’s criticism of Trump can’t be dismissed easily. Bolton has vast experience within government. He has seen multiple Republican presidents at close quarters. He has held some of the most senior government roles.

In recent months, Bolton has had his home and office raided by the FBI.

Bolton has been indicted and faces multiple counts under the Espionage Act.

He faces counts of the unlawful transmission of national defence information.

He also faces counts of the unlawful retention of national defence information.

Bolton had a practice of taking “diary-like” notes and emailing them to family via personal email.

If there is one person who should know the laws surrounding the handling of classified information, it is John Bolton.

We will see what happens with the case.

The verdict might not even be the main game here.

Trump has a habit of going after his perceived enemies.

We have already seen his administration lay charges against James Comey.

Many of those who fall out with Trump prefer to keep a low profile.

After all, Trump is the occupant of the most powerful position in the world. Even if you are convinced that you are right, if you go against Trump you risk the whole machinery of the US government being brought down on your head.

At this stage, Bolton seems unperturbed and is carrying on.