Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Bolton

1967: Bolton's Three State Solution

Since 1967, Bolton proposed Israel would annex settlements in the West Bank, Egypt would administer Gaza, and Jordan would administer the remaining West Bank, with no independent Palestinian state.

1972: Summer Intern

In 1972, John Bolton was a summer intern for Vice President Spiro Agnew.

1974: Associate at Covington & Burling

From 1974, John Bolton was an associate at the Washington, D.C. office of Covington & Burling.

1979: People's Mujahedin of Iran opposes Iranian theocratic state

Since shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution the MEK has opposed the Iranian theocratic state

1981: End of Associate role at Covington & Burling

In 1981, John Bolton's time as associate at Covington & Burling came to an end.

1983: Return to Covington & Burling

From 1983, John Bolton returned to the firm Covington & Burling.

1983: Executive Director Role at Republican National Committee

In 1983, Bolton became the executive director of the Committee on Resolutions in the Republican National Committee, beginning a period of service that lasted until 1984.

1984: Executive Director Role at Republican National Committee

In 1984, Bolton continued his role as the executive director of the Committee on Resolutions in the Republican National Committee, a position he held from 1983 to 1984.

1985: Assistant Attorney General

In 1985, John Bolton became the United States assistant attorney general for President Ronald Reagan.

1985: End of Second Associate role at Covington & Burling

In 1985, John Bolton's time as associate at Covington & Burling came to an end again.

1989: Assistant Secretary of State

In 1989, John Bolton became the assistant secretary of state for international organization affairs.

1993: Partner at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus

From 1993, John Bolton was a partner in the law firm of Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus.

1993: End of Assistant Secretary of State role

In 1993, John Bolton's tenure as the assistant secretary of state for international organization affairs came to an end.

1997: Senior VP at American Enterprise Institute

In 1997, Bolton became the senior vice president of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank.

1997: Assistant to James Baker & Weekly Standard Contributor

In 1997, Bolton began working as an assistant to James Baker and also started contributing to The Weekly Standard, marking the beginning of both roles.

1998: Urging Clinton to Remove Saddam Hussein

In 1998, Bolton signed a letter to President Bill Clinton urging him to use U.S. diplomatic, political, and military power to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq.

1999: End of role at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus

In 1999, John Bolton ended his role at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus.

2000: End of Roles with James Baker & Weekly Standard

In 2000, Bolton concluded his work as an assistant to James Baker and ended his initial period as a contributor to The Weekly Standard.

May 11, 2001: Under Secretary of State for Arms Control

On May 11, 2001, John Bolton was sworn in as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

2001: Departure from American Enterprise Institute

In 2001, Bolton's tenure as senior vice president of the American Enterprise Institute concluded, marking a transition in his career.

2001: Under Secretary of State

In 2001, John Bolton became the under secretary of state for arms control and international security affairs.

March 7, 2005: Nomination as Ambassador to the UN

On March 7, 2005, John Bolton was nominated to the post of United States Ambassador to the United Nations by President George W. Bush.

April 11, 2005: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Review

On April 11, 2005, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reviewed John Bolton's qualifications.

May 2005: Newsweek Report on Bolton's Absence at Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

In May 2005, Newsweek reported that John Bolton's "absence without leave" during the 7th Review Conference of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty undercut the American position, quoting anonymous sources. This occurred during Bolton's nomination fight.

May 26, 2005: Senate Democrats Postpone Vote on Bolton's UN Nomination

On May 26, 2005, Senate Democrats postponed the vote on John Bolton's UN nomination, initiating the first filibuster of the year due to withheld documents by the Bush administration.

June 20, 2005: Senate Cloture Vote Fails on Bolton's Nomination

On June 20, 2005, the Senate voted again on cloture for John Bolton's nomination, but it failed 54-38, six votes short of ending debate. Senator Voinovich switched his vote and urged President Bush to pick another nominee.

July 28, 2005: Bolton's False Statement to the Senate Revealed

On July 28, 2005, it was revealed that John Bolton made a false statement on forms submitted to the Senate, indicating he hadn't been questioned in any investigation in the prior five years, but he had been interviewed by the State Department's Inspector General as part of an investigation into the sources of pre-war claims of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

August 1, 2005: Recess Appointment as Ambassador to the UN

On August 1, 2005, John Bolton was recess-appointed to the post of United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

August 2005: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

In August 2005, John Bolton became the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

2005: Limited Role in Libya Negotiations

According to a 2005 study, Bolton was intentionally kept out of the loop so a final agreement could be reached with Libya to eliminate the country's weapons of mass destruction program.

2005: End of Under Secretary of State Role

In 2005, John Bolton's tenure as the under secretary of state for arms control and international security affairs came to an end.

February 2006: Senator Voinovich Amended View of Bolton

In February 2006, Senator Voinovich amended his views and determined that Bolton was doing a "good job" as UN ambassador. He said he spend a lot of time with Bolton and he is working constructively.

November 9, 2006: Nomination to Continue as UN Representative

On November 9, 2006, President Bush sent the nomination for Bolton to continue as representative for the United States at the UN.

December 4, 2006: Bolton Announces Termination as U.S. Representative to the UN

On December 4, 2006, John Bolton announced he would terminate his work as U.S. representative to the UN at the end of his recess appointment and would not seek confirmation. His resignation was accepted the same day, effective when his appointment ended on December 9.

December 2006: Stepped Down as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

In December 2006, John Bolton stepped down as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

2006: Fox News Contributor and AEI Senior Fellow

In 2006, Bolton became a paid contributor for Fox News and also took on the role of a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

2006: Attempting Prosecution Against Ahmadinejad

In 2006, Bolton, along with others, attempted to bring prosecution against Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for incitement to genocide in the International Court of Justice.

2006: Returns to American Enterprise Institute

In 2006, after leaving the George W. Bush Administration, Bolton returned to the American Enterprise Institute as a Senior Fellow.

2007: Remarks on Iraq War 'Mistake'

In 2007, Bolton stated that the only mistake the United States made in Iraq was not leaving earlier after overthrowing Saddam Hussein.

2008: Opposing Kosovo's Declaration of Independence

During 2008, Bolton opposed the declaration of independence by Kosovo.

2008: Counsel at Kirkland & Ellis

From 2008, John Bolton was of counsel in the Washington, D.C. office of Kirkland & Ellis.

2008: Bolton's comments on Iran's hostilities

In 2008, Bolton said the actions against Iran were responsive and not pre-emptive, meant to stop Iran from engaging in hostilities inside Iraq and aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan.

2010: Director, Foreign and Defense Policy Studies for AEI

In 2010, Bolton became the Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies for AEI, expanding his role within the organization.

2010: Co-founding Friends of Israel Initiative

In 2010, Bolton co-founded the Friends of Israel Initiative with 12 other international figures.

2010: Foreword for 'The Post-American Presidency'

In 2010, Bolton wrote a foreword for the book 'The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration's War on America' by Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer.

September 2011: Bolton Decides Not to Run for President

In September 2011, Bolton announced his decision not to run for president in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.

January 2012: Bolton Endorses Mitt Romney

In January 2012, Bolton endorsed Mitt Romney for the 2012 Republican Nomination, signaling his support within the Republican party.

2012: Considered Running for President

In 2012, Bolton considered running for president of the United States, although he ultimately decided against it.

2012: Foreign Policy Advisor

In 2012, John Bolton served as a foreign policy advisor to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

2012: U.S. delisting People's Mujahedin of Iran

Prior to 2012, Bolton spoke in favor of the People's Mujahedin of Iran.

2012: Major Donors to John Bolton Super PAC

Since 2012, Robert Mercer was a major donor to the John Bolton Super PAC, giving $4 million from 2012 to 2016.

July 2013: Identified as Key Member of Groundswell

In July 2013, Bolton was identified as a key member of Groundswell, a conservative activist group.

2013: Chairman of Gatestone Institute

In 2013, Bolton became the chairman of the Gatestone Institute, marking his involvement with the think tank.

2013: Bolton Sets Up Super PAC

In 2013, Bolton established the John Bolton Super PAC, a significant move in his political activities.

2013: Bolton's Comments on Snowden Asylum

In 2013, after Edward Snowden was granted asylum in Russia, Bolton suggested actions to cause Putin pain, saying not having a meeting with Obama would not damage Russian interests.

2014: Return to The Weekly Standard

In 2014, Bolton resumed his role as a contributor to The Weekly Standard, an American conservative opinion magazine.

2014: Super PAC Activities in 2014 Elections

In 2014, the John Bolton Super PAC was active in the elections, including supporting Scott Brown's unsuccessful Senate bid.

2014: Super PAC Payments to Cambridge Analytica

Since 2014, the John Bolton Super PAC paid Cambridge Analytica more than $1.1 million for "research" and "survey research".

September 2015: Senior Advisor

In September 2015, Freedom Capital Investment Management appointed Bolton as a senior advisor.

2015: Bolton's Opposition to the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal

Unlike several of President Trump's early national security officials, Bolton campaigned to press President Trump for a complete withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran (the JCPOA).

September 2016: Super PAC to Spend $1 Million on Burr's Reelection

In September 2016, Bolton announced that his Super PAC would spend $1 million on Senator Richard Burr's reelection effort, targeting ads at social media users and Dish Network/Direct TV subscribers.

December 1, 2016: Bolton Considered for Secretary of State in Trump Administration

On December 1, 2016, John Bolton admitted on Fox News that he was being considered as a Secretary of State candidate for the incoming Trump administration.

2016: Bolton's speech to MEK

In 2016, Bolton was paid $40,000 for his speech to MEK.

2016: End of Second Stint at The Weekly Standard

In 2016, Bolton's second period as a contributor to The Weekly Standard came to an end.

2016: Major Donors to John Bolton Super PAC

In 2016, Robert Mercer, Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus, and Los Angeles real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer were major donors to the John Bolton Super PAC.

2016: Super PAC Spending in 2016 Election

In 2016, the John Bolton Super PAC spent around $2.5 million supporting Republican U.S. Senate candidates and paid Cambridge Analytica more than $811,000.

2016: Russian Interference in US Elections

In June 2017, Bolton described Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections as "a true act of war."

June 1, 2017: Bolton receives speaking fee for European Iranian Events

On June 1, 2017, Bolton received $40,000 of speaking fee for "Global Events–European Iranian Events", the same day he made a speech for the MEK in Paris, France.

June 2017: Calling Russian interference "an act of war"

In June 2017, Bolton described Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections as "a true act of war."

August 28, 2017: Bolton's Proposal on Iran Deal Withdrawal

On August 28, 2017, Bolton published a proposal in a National Review Online article on how to withdraw from the Iran deal.

2017: Income from Fox News Reported

In 2017, Bolton reported an income of $569,000 from his work with Fox News, highlighting his financial ties to the media outlet.

2017: Testifying on Moving U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem

In 2017, Bolton testified before Congress in support of moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, aligning with the Jerusalem Embassy Act.

2017: Bolton's income reported

In 2017, Bolton's total income was reported to be $2.2 million, which included $569,000 from Fox News and $747,000 in speaking fees from organizations like the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC.

January 2018: Advertising Campaign Supporting Kevin Nicholson

In January 2018, Bolton announced a $1 million advertising campaign in support of Kevin Nicholson's bid for the Republican nomination to run against incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. The Super PAC also ran an ad campaign in the Green Bay area in January 2018.

March 6, 2018: Bolton Interviewed as Candidate for National Security Advisor

On the evening of March 6, 2018, Bolton was seen at the White House, presumably to be interviewed as a candidate for national security advisor.

March 2018: Appointment as National Security Advisor

After Bolton was appointed National Security Advisor in March 2018, his Super PAC suspended political activities. At the end of March 2018, FEC filings showed a balance of $2.6 million in unspent donations.

March 2018: Suggesting South Korea Take North Korea

In March 2018, Bolton suggested that South Korea take over North Korea and terminate the North Korean regime as the only "diplomatic option."

March 2018: Bolton's Comments to Iranian Exile Group

In March 2018, Bolton told the Iranian exile group Mujahedin-e-Khalq that the Trump administration should aim for regime change in Iran.

March 2018: Chairman of Gatestone Institute & Income Report

In March 2018, Bolton was chairman of Gatestone Institute. Also in 2018, it was reported that Bolton's total income for 2017 had been $2.2 million, including significant amounts from Fox News and speaking fees.

March 19, 2018: Super PAC Ad Campaign in Milwaukee Area

On March 19, 2018, the John Bolton Super PAC announced a two-week $278,000 television and radio ad campaign in the Milwaukee area.

March 31, 2018: Suspension of Super PAC Activities

Effective March 31, 2018, the John Bolton Super PAC and the John Bolton PAC announced a temporary suspension of their political activities.

April 9, 2018: Bolton Begins Position as National Security Advisor

John Bolton began his position as National Security Advisor on April 9, 2018.

April 2018: National Security Advisor

In April 2018, John Bolton became the National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump.

April 2018: Bolton Pressed Trump to Withdraw from Iran Nuclear Deal

In April 2018, John Bolton pressed President Trump to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal, which Trump did a month later.

April 2018: Bolton Pressing Trump on Iran Nuclear Deal

In April 2018, after becoming National Security Advisor, Bolton pressed President Trump to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

May 8, 2018: Bolton Removed Timothy Ziemer and Dissolved Global Health Security Team

On May 8, 2018, John Bolton removed Timothy Ziemer and dissolved his Global Health Security team from the NSC.

May 2018: Estimated payment to Bolton

In May 2018, it was estimated that Bolton was paid "on the low-end, $180,000" by MEK.

May 2018: U.S. withdrew from Iran Nuclear Deal

In May 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, a policy John Bolton had repeatedly advocated.

July 2018: Referring to investigation as "Russia witch hunt"

In July 2018, as Trump's national security advisor, Bolton referred to the investigation into Russian interference as "the Russia witch hunt".

September 10, 2018: Bolton Criticizes International Criminal Court

On September 10, 2018, John Bolton criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) in his first major address as National Security Advisor, calling it a threat to "American sovereignty and U.S. national security."

September 2018: Bolton Shrunk NSC Personnel

CNN reported in September 2018 that Bolton had significantly shrunk the number of NSC personnel, cutting it to under 300.

October 2018: Reasons for Withdrawing from Nuclear Forces Treaty

In October 2018, Bolton said that countering China's arms buildup was one reason for the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia.

November 1, 2018: Speech Praising Bolsonaro and Duque

In a speech on November 1, 2018, Bolton praised Jair Bolsonaro and Iván Duque Márquez and criticized Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

2018: Standing by Support of Iraq Invasion

In 2018, Bolton continued to support the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein's regime.

2018: Criticizing Washington's One-China Policy

In 2018, Bolton criticized Washington's One-China policy.

2018: Remarks on China's intellectual property issues

In 2018, Bolton remarked "There's simply no excuse for the stealing of intellectual property, forced technology transfers it's sometimes called."

2018: Bolton's statements on Iran, Russia, China, Syria and North Korea

In 2018, Bolton stated that Russia, China, Syria, Iran and North Korea make agreements and lie about them, and that the goal should be regime change in Iran.

2018: Statements on Kosovo Territorial Adjustments

In 2018, Bolton stated that the U.S. would not interfere if Kosovo and Serbia reached a mutually satisfactory settlement involving territorial adjustments.

2018: End of AEI Directorship

In 2018, Bolton's service as Director, Foreign and Defense Policy Studies for AEI came to an end.

2018: End of Counsel role at Kirkland & Ellis

In 2018, John Bolton ended his role as counsel at Kirkland & Ellis.

2018: Bolton Requested Military Strike Options Against Iran

In 2018, John Bolton requested that the Pentagon provide the White House with options for military strikes against Iran and intensified the administration's policy of isolating and pressuring Iran.

January 2019: Bolton Eliminated Internal Policy Debates

In January 2019, as National Security Advisor, John Bolton eliminated internal policy debates, which contributed to Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from Syria.

May 2019: Trump Undercuts Bolton's Positions on Iran and North Korea

By May 2019, President Trump had undercut some of John Bolton's major hard line positions, stating he was not seeking regime change in Iran and contradicting Bolton's assertion that North Korea had recently violated United Nations resolutions.

September 10, 2019: Conflicting Accounts of Bolton's Departure from White House

On September 10, 2019, President Trump claimed he had told John Bolton his "services are no longer needed" and that Bolton gave his resignation on September 10. Just minutes later, Bolton contradicted Trump's account, tweeting out this claim: Bolton offered to resign on September 9, with Trump replying: "Let's talk about it tomorrow."

September 2019: Departure as National Security Advisor

In September 2019, John Bolton departed from his role as the National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump.

2019: Sabotaging Trump's Iran Diplomacy

In 2019, Bolton, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Mike Pompeo successfully sabotaged President Trump's attempts to open diplomatic channels with Iran.

2019: Celebrating in Tehran

In March 2018, Bolton told the Iranian exile group Mujahedin-e-Khalq that "before 2019, we here will celebrate in Tehran!"

January 3, 2020: Soleimani Killed in U.S. Drone Strike

On January 3, 2020, Qasem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike. Bolton called it a decisive blow against Iran's malign Quds Force activities.

January 6, 2020: Bolton Announced He Would Testify During Senate Impeachment Trial

In a written statement obtained by NBC News on January 6, 2020, Bolton announced that he would testify during the Senate impeachment trial should he be issued a subpoena to do so.

2020: Published "The Room Where It Happened"

In 2020, John Bolton published "The Room Where It Happened", a best-selling book about his tenure in the Trump administration.

January 20, 2021: China Imposes Sanctions Against Bolton

On January 20, 2021, the Chinese government imposed sanctions against Bolton and other Trump administration officials.

December 2021: Calling for Aggressive Response to Russia

In December 2021, Bolton called for an aggressive response to Moscow's troops build-up along the Ukraine border.

February 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine

In December 2021, Bolton called for an aggressive response to Moscow's troops build-up along the Ukraine border, before the full-scale invasion commenced in February 2022.

July 6, 2023: Hailing Cluster Munitions to Ukraine

On July 6, 2023, Bolton praised President Biden's decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine.

2024: Considered Presidential Run in 2024

Bolton considered running for president in the 2024 United States presidential election to secure the Republican nomination against Donald Trump but was ridiculed.