Childhood and Education Journey of John Bolton in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of John Bolton. From birth to education, explore key events.

John Bolton is an American attorney, diplomat, Republican consultant, and political commentator. He is notable for serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006 and as the National Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019. Known for his hawkish foreign policy views, Bolton has been a prominent figure in Republican politics and a frequent commentator on international affairs.

Sections (5)

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

November 20, 1948: John Bolton Born

On November 20, 1948, John Robert Bolton was born. He is an American attorney, diplomat, Republican consultant, and political commentator who later served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and as the U.S. national security advisor.

Others born on this day/year

1964: Students For Goldwater Campaign

In 1964, John Bolton ran the school's Students For Goldwater campaign.

1966: Graduation from McDonogh School

In 1966, John Bolton graduated from the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland.

1969: Draft lottery number drawn

During the 1969 Vietnam War draft lottery, John Bolton drew number 185.

November 1970: Active Duty for Training

From July to November 1970, John Bolton attended Active Duty for Training (ADT) at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

1970: Vietnam War

Before graduating from Yale College in 1970, John Bolton enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard rather than waiting to find out if his draft number would be called.

1970: Graduation from Yale College

In 1970, John Bolton graduated summa cum laude from Yale College with a Bachelor of Arts.

1971: Attendance at Yale Law School

In 1971, John Bolton started attending Yale Law School.

1974: Graduation from Yale Law School

In 1974, John Bolton graduated from Yale Law School with a Juris Doctor degree.

January 1986: Marriage to Gretchen Smith Bolton

In January 1986, John Bolton married Gretchen Smith Bolton, a financial planner with AXA Advisors. They have a daughter, Jennifer, and have resided in Bethesda, Maryland since 1986.

1994: Bolton's Stance on the United Nations

In 1994, John Bolton stated, "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."

2000: Described Himself as a Convinced Americanist

In a 2000 article in the Chicago Journal of International Law, John Bolton described himself as a "convinced Americanist", favoring it over what he described as "globalism".

2007: Declared Himself a Goldwater Conservative

In 2007, John Bolton declared himself to be a "Goldwater conservative", as opposed to a neoconservative, and stated that he was a follower of Edmund Burke.

2007: Interview about decision to avoid Vietnam

In a 2007 interview, John Bolton explained his comment in the Yale reunion book saying his decision to avoid service in Vietnam was because "by the time I was about to graduate in 1970, it was clear to me that opponents of the Vietnam War had made it certain we could not prevail, and that I had no great interest in going there to have Teddy Kennedy give it back to the people I might die to take it away from."