Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to John Bolton

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving John Bolton.

John Bolton is an American attorney, diplomat, and political commentator, known for his hawkish foreign policy views. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006 and as the National Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019. Bolton is a Republican consultant and has been a controversial figure due to his strong advocacy for interventionist foreign policies and skepticism towards international organizations and treaties. His tenure in government has been marked by significant policy debates and public attention.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1972: Biological Weapons Convention

In 2001, John Bolton was instrumental in derailing a 2001 biological weapons conference in Geneva convened to endorse a UN proposal to enforce the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention.

1994: Bolton's View on the United Nations

In 1994, John Bolton expressed a dismissive view of the United Nations, stating, "There is no United Nations. There is an international community that occasionally can be led by the only real power left in the world, and that's the United States, when it suits our interests and when we can get others to go along."

2001: Derailing Biological Weapons Conference

In 2001, John Bolton was instrumental in derailing a biological weapons conference in Geneva.

May 2002: "Beyond the Axis of Evil" Speech

In May 2002, John Bolton gave a speech entitled "Beyond the Axis of Evil", adding Cuba, Libya, and Syria to the list of rogue states.

2002: Accusation of Cuban Biological Weapons Program

In 2002, John Bolton delivered a speech where he accused Cuba of having a secret biological weapons program and collaborating with Libya and Iran.

2002: Orchestrated Removal of José Bustani

In 2002, John Bolton is said to have orchestrated the removal of Brazilian José Bustani, head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

2003: Alleged Role in Bush's State of the Union Address

In 2003, Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman alleged that Bolton played a role in encouraging the inclusion of the statement that British Intelligence had determined Iraq attempted to procure yellowcake uranium from Niger in Bush's 2003 State of the Union Address.

April 2004: Accusation of Cuba as a Terrorist and Biological Weapons Threat

In April 2004, John Bolton again accused Cuba of being a terrorist and biological weapons threat to the United States.

June 2004: Congressional Testimony on Iran

In June 2004 congressional testimony, John Bolton stated that Iran was lying about enriched uranium contamination.

September 2004: Bush Administration Backed Off Claims

In September 2004 and in the wake of the failure to locate WMDs in Iraq, the Bush administration backed off claims that Cuba had an active biological weapons program.

April 12, 2005: Senate panel focuses on allegations that Bolton pressured intelligence analysts

On April 12, 2005, the Senate panel focused on allegations that Bolton pressured intelligence analysts. Former State Department intelligence chief Carl W. Ford Jr. called Bolton a "serial abuser" and accused him of abusing his power and authority.

May 26, 2005: Senate Democrats postpone vote on Bolton's UN nomination

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

July 28, 2005: Bolton's statement to the Senate found false

On July 28, 2005, it was revealed that 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 when he had been interviewed by the State Department's Inspector General. The State Department later reversed itself, claiming Bolton had simply forgotten about the investigation.

August 2005: IAEA Board of Governors Conclusion

At their August 2005 meeting, the IAEA's Board of Governors concluded that the results of analysis tended, on balance, to support Iran's statement about the foreign origin of most of the observed highly enriched uranium contamination.

2006: Attempted Prosecution of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

In 2006, John Bolton, along with Alan Dershowitz, Dore Gold, and other experts, attempted to bring prosecution against Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the International Court of Justice for incitement to genocide, based on Ahmadinejad's comments that "Israel must be wiped off the map".

2007: Bolton's View on Iraq War Mistake

In 2007, John Bolton stated that the United States' only mistake regarding Iraq was not withdrawing earlier after Saddam Hussein's overthrow, suggesting they should have left the Iraqis with a copy of the Federalist Papers.

2008: Bolton Campaigned Against EU Integration in Ireland

In 2008, John Bolton campaigned in Ireland against further EU integration, expressing his opposition to the expansion of EU powers through the Treaty of Lisbon.

2010: Bolton Writes Foreword for "The Post-American Presidency"

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

December 2012: Bolton Suggests Clinton Faked Concussion

In December 2012, John Bolton suggested that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had faked a concussion to avoid testifying before Congress regarding the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, referring to it as a "diplomatic illness".

2013: Chairman of Gatestone Institute

From 2013 until March 2018, Bolton was chairman of the far-right anti-Muslim Gatestone Institute.

2013: Bolton on Edward Snowden

In 2013, after NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden was granted asylum in Russia, John Bolton suggested causing pain to Putin to influence his thinking. He also accused Snowden of treason and said he "ought to swing from a tall oak tree".

December 2016: Bolton questions U.S. Intelligence Community conclusion on Russian hacking

In December 2016, Bolton said the conclusion of the United States Intelligence Community that Russian hackers had intervened to help elect Donald Trump in 2016 may have been a "false flag" operation.

2016: Received $40,000 for Speech to MEK

In 2016, John Bolton was paid $40,000 for a speech he gave to the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK).

June 1, 2017: Bolton's Speaking Fee for European Iranian Events

On June 1, 2017, John Bolton received $40,000 as a speaking fee for "Global Events–European Iranian Events," which coincided with a speech he made for the MEK in Paris, France.

March 2018: Bolton Suggested South Korea Take North Korea

In March 2018, John Bolton suggested that South Korea should take over North Korea and terminate the North Korean regime as the only "diplomatic option", stating that the war between the two countries is their problem, not the United States'.

March 2018: End of Chairmanship of Gatestone Institute

Until March 2018, Bolton was chairman of the far-right anti-Muslim Gatestone Institute, which is prominent for disseminating false anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim information.

May 8, 2018: Bolton removed Timothy Ziemer and dissolved his Global Health Security team

On May 8, 2018, Bolton removed Timothy Ziemer and dissolved his Global Health Security team formerly on the NSC leaving the administration's high level preparation for and ability to respond to pandemics, infectious disease, and other biological threats unclear.

May 2018: Called for Termination of Iran Nuclear Deal

In May 2018, John Bolton repeatedly called for the termination of the Iran nuclear deal, from which the U.S. withdrew.

May 2018: Estimated Payment to Bolton by MEK

In May 2018, journalist Joanne Stocker estimated that John Bolton had been paid "on the low-end, $180,000" by the MEK, though Bolton's office declined to comment on the matter.

September 10, 2018: Bolton criticizes the International Criminal Court

On September 10, 2018, Bolton criticized the International Criminal Court, calling it a threat to "American sovereignty and U.S. national security." He threatened to bar ICC judges and prosecutors from entering the U.S. and sanction their funds.

October 2018: Bolton on US Withdrawal from Nuclear Treaty

In October 2018, John Bolton cited the United States' need to counter China's arms build-up in the Pacific as a reason for withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, as China was not a signatory to the treaty.

November 1, 2018: Bolton Praises Bolsonaro and Duque, Criticizes Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua

On November 1, 2018, as National Security Advisor, John Bolton praised Brazil's president-elect Jair Bolsonaro and Colombia's president Iván Duque Márquez as "like-minded" partners. He also framed Bolsonaro's election victory as a "positive sign" for Latin America and criticized Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua as a "troika of tyranny."

November 2018: Bolton comments on Khashoggi assassination audio

In November 2018, Bolton said that an audio recording related to the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi did not prove that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder.

2018: Unlawful Transmission and Retention of National Defense Information

Between 2018 and 2025, John Bolton committed unlawful transmission and retention of national defense information.

2018: Remarks on China's Intellectual Property Theft

In 2018, John Bolton commented on China's notoriety regarding intellectual property, stating that there was "simply no excuse for the stealing of intellectual property, forced technology transfers it's sometimes called."

2018: Bolton on Regimes That Lie About Agreements

In 2018, John Bolton stated that Russia, China, Syria, Iran, and North Korea are regimes that make agreements and lie about them, and that a national security policy based on the faith that such regimes will honor their commitments is doomed to failure. He also said, "Our goal should be regime change in Iran."

March 2019: Bolton Criticized the UK Political Class for Brexit Implementation

In a March 2019 interview with Sky News, John Bolton criticized the UK "political class" for not implementing the Brexit vote.

August 2019: President Trump Freezing Ukraine Aid

In August 2019, according to Bolton's forthcoming book, President Trump allegedly told Bolton that he wanted to continue freezing aid to Ukraine until officials there pursued investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens.

September 10, 2019: Bolton resigns as National Security Advisor

On September 10, 2019, President Trump claimed he told Bolton his "services are no longer needed", leading to Bolton's resignation. However, Bolton contradicted Trump's account, stating he offered to resign on September 9. The White House endorsed Trump's version of the events.

November 7, 2019: Refusal to Attend Impeachment Deposition

On November 7, 2019, John Bolton refused to attend his scheduled deposition in the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump and threatened legal action if subpoenaed, stating he wanted a federal court to rule on a lawsuit by his former deputy before testifying.

December 2019: Submission of The Room Where It Happened for Security Review

In December 2019, Bolton submitted his memoir, The Room Where It Happened, for security review.

The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir

Check it on Amazon

2019: Bolton Sabotaged Trump's Diplomatic Efforts with Iran

In 2019, John Bolton, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, successfully sabotaged President Trump's attempts to open diplomatic channels with Iran.

January 3, 2020: Bolton's Reaction to Soleimani's Killing

On January 3, 2020, following the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, John Bolton tweeted that it was a "decisive blow" against Iran's activities and expressed hope that it would be the first step toward regime change in Tehran.

January 6, 2020: Announcement to Testify if Subpoenaed

On January 6, 2020, Bolton announced in a written statement obtained by NBC News that he would testify during the Senate impeachment trial if issued a subpoena, requiring a 51-vote majority from the Senate.

January 2020: Death of Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, Qasem Soleimani died, which may have motivated the October 2021 plot to allegedly murder Bolton.

January 28, 2020: Trump impeachment lawyer Jay Sekulow dismissing Bolton's claims

On January 28, 2020, Trump impeachment lawyer Jay Sekulow dismissed Bolton's claims as "inadmissible" when he argued before the Senate in defense of Trump. Democratic trial manager Adam Schiff later remarked that Sekulow's assertion validated the argument that Bolton should be called to testify.

June 16, 2020: Justice Department Attempt to Block Publication of Memoir

On June 16, 2020, the Trump Justice Department attempted to block publication of Bolton's memoir, The Room Where It Happened, seeking to confiscate Bolton's $2 million advance for breach of contract.

The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir

Check it on Amazon

2020: White House Allegedly Slow-Walking Review Process

In 2020, Bolton's attorney asserted that the White House was slow-walking the review process to prevent the book, which contained extensive harsh criticism of Trump, from being released during the 2020 election campaign.

The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir

Check it on Amazon

January 20, 2021: China Imposes Sanctions Against Bolton

On January 20, 2021, the Chinese government imposed sanctions against John Bolton and 27 other Trump administration officials for allegedly interfering in China's internal affairs and undermining China-U.S. relations. The sanctions included a ban from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and restrictions on business dealings with associated companies and institutions.

October 2021: Murder Plot Against Bolton

In October 2021, Shahram Poursafi, an Iranian national and member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, plotted to allegedly murder Bolton, likely in retaliation for the January 2020 death of Qasem Soleimani.

2021: Justice Department Drops Criminal Inquiry

In 2021, The New York Times reported that the Justice Department had dropped its criminal inquiry of Bolton in June of that year and moved to end efforts to confiscate proceeds from his book.

July 2022: Admission of Involvement in Planning Coups d'état

In July 2022, during an interview with CNN, John Bolton admitted to his personal involvement in planning unspecified coups d'état in foreign countries.

August 10, 2022: Iranian National Charged in Plot to Murder Bolton

On August 10, 2022, an Iranian national, Shahram Poursafi, was charged by the United States Department of Justice in connection to an October 2021 plot to allegedly murder John Bolton, potentially in retaliation for the January 2020 death of Qasem Soleimani.

December 2023: Bolton Proposed Resettling Palestinians from Gaza

In December 2023, John Bolton proposed resettling Palestinians from Gaza.

2023: Criticism of Donald Trump in Memoirs

In 2023, Bolton's memoirs were published, containing harsh criticism of Donald Trump, accusing him of punishing personal enemies and appeasing adversaries like Russia and China.

April 2024: Bolton on the Gaza War as an Iranian War

In April 2024, John Bolton characterized the Gaza war as "an Iranian war against Israel, fought through terrorist proxies" and argued that eliminating Hamas is the only way to end the suffering of the people of Gaza.

January 20, 2025: Bolton Loses Secret Service Protection

On January 20, 2025, after President Trump returned to office, John Bolton's protective detail from the United States Secret Service, which was granted following an alleged murder plot in October 2021, was rescinded.

July 2025: Bolton Suggested Algeria Offer Trump a Gift Regarding Western Sahara

In July 2025, John Bolton suggested that Algeria should offer Donald Trump a gift to persuade him to abandon American recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the annexed Western Sahara.

August 22, 2025: FBI Raid on Bolton's Home

On August 22, 2025, FBI agents raided Bolton's home as part of a documents investigation, looking for classified materials.

September 2025: Bolton Criticizes Trump's Tariff on India

In September 2025, John Bolton criticized Trump's 50% tariff imposed on India over its trade with Russia, and questioned why similar measures weren’t applied to China, Turkey, or Pakistan. He also criticized Trump's claims about his role in peace between India and Pakistan after the 2025 Pahalgam Attack and the subsequent 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

October 2025: Indictment on Unlawful Transmission and Retention of National Defense Information

In October 2025, John Bolton was indicted on eight counts of unlawful transmission and ten counts of unlawful retention of national defense information between 2018 and 2025.

October 16, 2025: Indictment on 18 Charges

On October 16, 2025, Bolton was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Maryland on 18 charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, including counts of unlawful transmission and retention of national defense information.

October 17, 2025: Surrender to Authorities and Not Guilty Plea

On October 17, 2025, Bolton surrendered to authorities at a courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, and pled not guilty to the 18-count indictment brought against him.

2025: DOJ Criminal Investigation Gained Momentum

In 2025, The New York Times later reported that the DOJ's criminal investigation into Bolton had actually "gained momentum in the Biden administration."