History of John Bolton in Timeline
John Robert Bolton is a prominent figure in American politics and diplomacy. Having served as the 25th United States Ambassador to the United Nations and later as the 26th National Security Advisor, Bolton has established himself as a Republican consultant and commentator. His career has been marked by his legal background and involvement in key international affairs.
1945: Birth of Gretchen Smith Bolton
John Bolton's wife, Gretchen Smith Bolton, was born in Kansas City in 1945.
November 20, 1948: Birth of John Bolton
John Robert Bolton was born on November 20, 1948.
1964: John Bolton Leads Students For Goldwater Campaign
John Bolton ran the Students For Goldwater campaign while at the McDonogh School in 1964.
1966: John Bolton Graduates High School
John Bolton graduated from the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland in 1966.
1967: Advocacy for "Three-State Solution"
Bolton's "Three-State Solution" proposed after the Six-Day War in 1967 suggested Israel annex its West Bank settlements, Egypt annex Gaza, and Jordan annex the remaining West Bank.
1969: Vietnam War Draft Lottery
The Vietnam War draft lottery took place in 1969, where John Bolton drew number 185.
November 1970: John Bolton Attends Active Duty Training
John Bolton participated in Active Duty for Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, from July to November 1970.
1970: John Bolton Expresses Views on Vietnam War
As of 1970, John Bolton believed the Vietnam War was already lost and expressed his lack of desire to participate in it.
1970: John Bolton Graduates from Yale College
John Bolton graduated summa cum laude from Yale College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970.
1971: John Bolton Begins Studies at Yale Law School
John Bolton started attending Yale Law School in 1971.
1972: Biological Weapons Convention
The Biological Weapons Convention, a treaty prohibiting the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons, was signed in 1972.
1972: John Bolton Interns for Vice President Agnew
John Bolton worked as a summer intern for Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1972.
1972: First Marriage
John Bolton entered his first marriage in 1972.
1973: Gretchen Smith Bolton's Previous Divorce
Prior to her marriage to John Bolton, Gretchen Smith Bolton was previously married and divorced in 1973.
1974: John Bolton Graduates from Yale Law School
John Bolton earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 1974.
1974: John Bolton Begins Work at Covington & Burling
John Bolton started his career as an associate at the Washington, D.C. office of Covington & Burling in 1974.
1979: MEK Opposition to Iranian Theocracy
The People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK), which Bolton has supported, opposed the Iranian theocratic state since shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
1981: John Bolton Leaves Covington & Burling
John Bolton left his position at Covington & Burling in 1981.
1983: John Bolton Returns to Covington & Burling
John Bolton rejoined Covington & Burling in 1983.
1983: Executive Director of the Committee on Resolutions
John Bolton served as the Executive Director of the Committee on Resolutions for the Republican National Committee from 1983 to 1984.
1983: Divorce from First Wife
John Bolton's first marriage ended in divorce in 1983.
1984: End of Tenure as Executive Director
John Bolton concluded his role as the Executive Director of the Committee on Resolutions for the Republican National Committee in 1984.
1985: John Bolton Serves as Assistant Attorney General
From 1985 to 1989, John Bolton worked for President Ronald Reagan as the United States Assistant Attorney General.
1985: John Bolton Leaves Covington & Burling
John Bolton concluded his time at Covington & Burling in 1985.
January 1986: Marriage to Gretchen Smith Bolton
John Bolton married Gretchen Smith Bolton, a financial planner, in January 1986. They have resided in Bethesda, Maryland since then and have a daughter named Jennifer.
1989: John Bolton Serves as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs
John Bolton served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs from 1989 to 1993.
1993: John Bolton Concludes Role as Assistant Secretary of State
John Bolton concluded his service as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs in 1993.
1993: John Bolton Becomes Partner at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus
John Bolton joined the law firm Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus as a partner in 1993.
1994: Bolton's Criticism of the United Nations
In 1994, John Bolton, a longstanding critic of the United Nations, expressed his opposition, 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." His stance stemmed from his belief that international organizations encroached upon the sovereignty of the United States. He also opposed the International Criminal Court.
1997: Assistant to James Baker, Fox News Contributor, and Writer
Between 1997 and 2000, John Bolton served as an assistant to James Baker during his tenure as the UN Secretary-General's envoy to Western Sahara. From 1997 onwards, he contributed to The Weekly Standard, and starting in 2006, he became a paid contributor for Fox News.
1997: Senior Vice President at the American Enterprise Institute
John Bolton joined the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a conservative think tank, as senior vice president in 1997, a position he held until 2001.
1998: Letter to President Clinton
In 1998, John Bolton signed a letter urging President Clinton to remove Saddam Hussein from power.
1999: John Bolton Leaves Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus
John Bolton finished his partnership at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus in 1999.
May 2000: José Bustani Re-elected as Head of OPCW
José Bustani was re-elected for a four-year term as the head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in May 2000 with strong U.S. support.
2000: Bolton's Views on International Organizations and Sovereignty
In a 2000 article published in the Chicago Journal of International Law, John Bolton expressed his skepticism towards international organizations and international law, believing they jeopardized American sovereignty and lacked legitimate authority under the U.S. Constitution. He criticized the Obama administration's foreign policy for what he perceived as a surrender of U.S. sovereignty and expressed a preference for unilateralism over multilateralism. In the same article, he described himself as a "convinced Americanist," contrasting it with "globalism." Despite his stance, Bolton has demonstrated pragmatism in his dealings with international organizations while holding government positions. However, according to Foreign Policy, he effectively advanced his views on this matter during his time in the Trump Administration.
2000: Conclusion of Roles with James Baker and The Weekly Standard
John Bolton concluded his role as assistant to James Baker and his contributions to The Weekly Standard in 2000.
May 11, 2001: John Bolton Sworn in as Under Secretary of State
On May 11, 2001, John Bolton was officially sworn in as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.
2001: Colin Powell Praises José Bustani's Leadership
Colin Powell commended José Bustani's leadership as the head of the OPCW in 2001.
2001: Departure from the American Enterprise Institute
John Bolton concluded his tenure as senior vice president at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) in 2001.
2001: John Bolton Disrupts Biological Weapons Conference
John Bolton played a key role in disrupting a 2001 biological weapons conference in Geneva. He argued against a UN proposal to enforce the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention, believing it could threaten U.S. security.
2001: John Bolton Becomes Under Secretary of State for Arms Control
John Bolton started his term as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs in 2001.
May 2002: John Bolton Delivers "Beyond the Axis of Evil" Speech
John Bolton gave a speech titled "Beyond the Axis of Evil" in May 2002, identifying Cuba, Libya, and Syria as potential threats alongside Iran, Iraq, and North Korea.
2002: Bolton Accuses Cuba of Biological Weapons Program
In 2002, John Bolton publicly accused Cuba of having a secret biological weapons program and collaborating with Libya and Iran. This accusation came just a week before former President Jimmy Carter was scheduled to meet with Fidel Castro in Cuba in an attempt to improve relations between the two countries.
2002: John Bolton Allegedly Pressures José Bustani to Resign
In 2002, John Bolton was accused of pressuring José Bustani, the head of the OPCW, to resign. This move was seen as an attempt to build a case for the invasion of Iraq.
2003: Bolton Implicated in Allegations Regarding Bush's State of the Union Address
In 2003, Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman alleged that John Bolton played a role in including a claim in President Bush's State of the Union Address that British intelligence had determined Iraq attempted to procure uranium from Niger. This statement was criticized for being based on potentially forged documents, but Waxman's allegations, based on classified documents, remain unconfirmed.
April 2004: Bolton Reiterates Accusations Against Cuba
John Bolton, in April 2004, again accused Cuba of posing a terrorist and biological weapons threat to the United States. This claim was disputed by experts who found the supporting evidence to be weak.
June 2004: Bolton Accuses Iran of Lying About Enriched Uranium
In June 2004, John Bolton, during congressional testimony, accused Iran of lying about the source of enriched uranium contamination, claiming it was evidence of their intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
September 2004: Bush Administration Backs Off Cuban Biological Weapons Claims
Following the failure to locate weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, the Bush administration, in September 2004, softened its stance on claims that Cuba had an active biological weapons program.
March 7, 2005: Bolton Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
President George W. Bush nominated John Bolton for the position of United States Ambassador to the United Nations on March 7, 2005. This nomination drew criticism due to Bolton's past dismissive remarks about the United Nations.
April 11, 2005: Senate Reviews Bolton's Qualifications for UN Ambassadorship
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee began reviewing John Bolton's qualifications for the UN Ambassadorship on April 11, 2005. During the hearing, Bolton expressed a more favorable view of the UN than he had in the past, aligning his stance with that of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
April 12, 2005: Former State Department Official Accuses Bolton of Abusing Power
On the second day of hearings about John Bolton's nomination as UN Ambassador, April 12, 2005, former State Department intelligence chief Carl W. Ford Jr. testified before the Senate, accusing Bolton of pressuring intelligence analysts and abusing his power while in government positions.
May 2005: Bolton's Absence Impacts Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Conference
Newsweek reported in May 2005 that John Bolton's absence during the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Conference, due to his ongoing nomination battle, had negatively impacted the United States' position in the negotiations.
May 26, 2005: Senate Democrats Postpone Vote on Bolton's UN Nomination
Senate Democrats postponed the vote on John Bolton's UN nomination on May 26, 2005, citing the Bush administration withholding key documents related to Bolton's career. This delay marked the first filibuster of the year.
June 20, 2005: Senate Vote on Bolton's Nomination Fails
On June 20, 2005, the Senate voted on a cloture motion to end debate on John Bolton's UN nomination. The motion failed, with not enough votes to overcome the Democratic filibuster.
July 28, 2005: Bolton's Senate Testimony Questioned
In July 28, 2005, a statement made by John Bolton on forms submitted to the Senate was found to be false. Despite claiming he hadn't been questioned in any investigations in the prior five years, he had been interviewed during an investigation into the sources of pre-war claims about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The State Department claimed Bolton had simply forgotten about the investigation.
August 1, 2005: Bolton Recess-Appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the UN
On August 1, 2005, John Bolton was recess-appointed by President Bush to the post of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations following a Democratic filibuster that prevented a full Senate vote on his nomination.
August 2005: IAEA Supports Iran's Explanation of Enriched Uranium
In August 2005, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded that isotope analysis supported Iran's explanation that the enriched uranium contamination was from foreign sources, contradicting Bolton's previous accusations.
August 2005: John Bolton Becomes U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
John Bolton was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in August 2005.
2005: Bolton's Role in Libyan WMD Negotiations
John Bolton opposed the deal negotiated by President George W. Bush with then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to dismantle Libya's weapons of mass destruction program. He had played a significant role in the initial stages of the negotiations; however, his involvement diminished over time. According to a 2005 study, Bolton was deliberately excluded from the final stages of the agreement to ensure its successful completion: "Bolton reportedly was unaware of the December 19 WMD agreement until very shortly before its public announcement. And after initially being given a lead role in implementing it, he pushed so hard to backtrack from the agreement that the British convinced the Bush administration to restrict his involvement in the Libya matter."
2005: John Bolton Concludes Role as Under Secretary of State
John Bolton finished his term as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs in 2005.
2005: Colleagues Defend Bolton During Confirmation Hearings
During his 2005 confirmation hearings, over 64 of Bolton's coworkers and colleagues sent letters to Senator Lugar, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praising Bolton and refuting criticisms about his diplomatic style.
February 2006: Senator Voinovich Changes Stance on Bolton's Nomination
By February 2006, Senator Voinovich, who had previously opposed Bolton's nomination, changed his stance, stating that Bolton was doing a "good job" as UN ambassador.
July 27, 2006: Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for Bolton's UN Ambassadorship
On July 27, 2006, the Senate held a confirmation hearing for John Bolton's nomination as UN ambassador in hopes of confirming him before the end of the 109th Congress.
November 9, 2006: Bush Renominates Bolton as UN Ambassador
Following the Democratic Party taking control of both houses of Congress, President Bush, on November 9, 2006, renominated John Bolton for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the UN, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation.
December 4, 2006: Bolton Announces Resignation as UN Ambassador
On December 4, 2006, John Bolton announced his resignation as US representative to the UN, deciding not to continue seeking confirmation. His resignation from the Bush administration was effective December 9th, the formal adjournment of the 109th Congress.
December 5, 2006: Claudia Rosett Supports Bolton in Wall Street Journal
On December 5, 2006, Claudia Rosett published a Wall Street Journal op-ed expressing support for Bolton's efforts to address UN corruption, threats from North Korea and Hezbollah, and nuclear proliferation in Iran.
December 2006: John Bolton Steps Down as U.S. Ambassador
John Bolton left his post as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in December 2006 due to lack of support for his confirmation in the Senate.
2006: Start as Fox News Contributor and Senior Fellow
In 2006, John Bolton took on roles as a paid contributor for Fox News and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
2006: Attempted Prosecution of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Bolton, along with others, attempted to prosecute Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the International Court of Justice in 2006 for incitement to genocide.
2006: Return to American Enterprise Institute
After leaving the George W. Bush administration, John Bolton returned to the American Enterprise Institute as a senior fellow in 2006.
2007: Criticism of US Iraq Policy
By 2007, Bolton expressed that the US should have left Iraq sooner after Saddam Hussein's overthrow.
2007: Bolton's Political Identity
In a 2007 interview with Edward Luce of the Financial Times, John Bolton identified himself as a "Goldwater conservative" rather than a neoconservative. He also expressed his admiration for Edmund Burke and stated, "I have always been a conservative. The idea of big-government conservatism has more neocon adherents than from unmodified conservatives."
2007: John Bolton Publishes "Surrender Is Not an Option"
John Bolton published his book, "Surrender Is Not an Option," in 2007, where he shared his perspective on the Vietnam War.
2008: Opposition to Kosovo's Independence
Bolton opposed Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008.
2008: Justification for Actions Against Iran
In 2008, Bolton defended actions against Iran as a response to their activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2008: Bolton Campaigns Against EU Integration in Ireland
John Bolton campaigned in Ireland in 2008 against further European Union integration.
2008: John Bolton Joins Kirkland & Ellis
John Bolton joined Kirkland & Ellis in Washington, D.C. as Of Counsel in 2008.
2010: Co-founding of Friends of Israel Initiative
Bolton co-founded the Friends of Israel Initiative in 2010.
2010: Endorsement of "The Post-American Presidency"
In 2010, John Bolton provided a foreword for "The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration's War on America," a book penned by conservative commentators Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer. In his endorsement, Bolton expressed agreement with the authors' criticisms of President Barack Obama, characterizing their account as "disturbing."
2010: Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at AEI
John Bolton assumed the role of Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) in 2010.
December 31, 2010: Consideration of Presidential Run
John Bolton was featured on the cover of the National Review, signaling his potential interest in running for president in the 2012 election.
September 2011: Bolton on the Death of Anwar al-Awlaki
Following the Obama administration's announcement of the death of Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born radical and Al Qaeda target, in Yemen in September 2011, John Bolton commented on the event's significance, stating, "I think it's important as individual Al Qaeda figures and other terrorists are killed that we not read more into it than there is. Consider this analogy if you were around in the 1920s and somebody said, my God, Vladimir Lenin is dead. The Bolsheviks will never recover from this...So while Al-Awlaki's death is significant, I would not read cosmic consequences into it."
September 2011: Decision Against Running for President
In September 2011, John Bolton announced his decision not to pursue a presidential bid in the 2012 election.
January 2012: Endorsement of Mitt Romney
John Bolton endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 Republican presidential primary.
December 2012: Accusation Against Hillary Clinton
In December 2012, John Bolton publicly questioned the legitimacy of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's concussion, suggesting that she may have fabricated it to evade congressional testimony related to the Benghazi attack.
2012: Contemplation of Presidential Candidacy
John Bolton considered running for president in the 2012 U.S. presidential election, expressing his views on the open Republican field.
2012: US De-lists MEK as a Terrorist Organization
The US removed the MEK from its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations in 2012.
2012: John Bolton Advises Mitt Romney's Presidential Campaign
John Bolton acted as a foreign policy advisor to Mitt Romney during his 2012 presidential campaign.
2012: Major Donors to the John Bolton Super PAC
Major donors to the John Bolton Super PAC from 2012 to 2016 included Robert Mercer, who contributed \$4 million, Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus, and Los Angeles real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer.
July 2013: Involvement in Groundswell
John Bolton was identified as a key member of Groundswell, a secretive coalition of right-wing activists, in July 2013.
2013: Comments on Edward Snowden Asylum
In 2013, after Edward Snowden was granted asylum in Russia, Bolton suggested actions to inflict pain on Putin's interests.
2013: Chairman of the Gatestone Institute
John Bolton assumed the role of chairman of the Gatestone Institute, a controversial organization accused of promoting Islamophobia, in 2013.
2013: Establishment of John Bolton Super PAC
John Bolton established his own Super PAC in 2013 to support Republican candidates.
2014: Super PAC Funding for Republican Candidates
John Bolton's Super PAC raised and spent millions of dollars to support various Republican candidates in the 2014 and 2016 elections.
2014: Center for Public Integrity Analysis
In 2014, the Center for Public Integrity revealed that the John Bolton Super PAC had paid Cambridge Analytica over \$1.1 million for "research" and "survey research" since 2014.
2014: Resumption of Contributions to The Weekly Standard
John Bolton resumed his contributions to The Weekly Standard in 2014.
September 2015: John Bolton Joins Freedom Capital Investment Management
In September 2015, John Bolton was appointed as a senior advisor for Freedom Capital Investment Management.
2015: Opposition to the Iran Nuclear Deal
Bolton opposed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and campaigned for President Trump to withdraw from it.
September 2016: Super PAC Spending on Senator Richard Burr's Campaign
John Bolton's Super PAC allocated $1 million to support Senator Richard Burr's re-election campaign in September 2016.
December 1, 2016: Bolton Considered for Secretary of State in Trump Administration
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump mentioned John Bolton as a potential Secretary of State. On December 1, 2016, Bolton confirmed on Fox News that he was being considered for the position in the Trump administration.
December 2016: Bolton Questions Russian Hacking Conclusion and Calls for Stronger Response
In December 2016, John Bolton expressed support for theories about Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin's health and suggested that the intelligence community's conclusion of Russian interference in the election might be a "false flag" operation. He also criticized the Obama administration's sanctions on Russia as inadequate.
2016: Russian Interference in US Elections
Russia interfered in the 2016 US elections.
2016: Major Donors to the John Bolton Super PAC
Major donors to the John Bolton Super PAC from 2012 to 2016 included Robert Mercer, who contributed \$4 million, Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus, and Los Angeles real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer.
2016: Payment for Speech to MEK
Bolton received $40,000 for a speech he delivered to the MEK in 2016.
2016: Conclusion of Contributions to The Weekly Standard
John Bolton ceased contributing to The Weekly Standard in 2016.
2016: Cambridge Analytica Payments and Super PAC Spending
During the 2016 presidential election, the John Bolton Super PAC paid Cambridge Analytica more than \$811,000, according to Federal Election Commission filings. In the same election cycle, the Super PAC spent approximately \$2.5 million supporting Republican U.S. Senate candidates.
2016: Bolton Praises UK's Brexit Vote
John Bolton expressed his support for the UK's referendum vote to leave the European Union in 2016.
February 2017: Trump Interviews Bolton for National Security Advisor
In February 2017, President Trump interviewed John Bolton, among others, for the National Security Advisor position vacated by Michael T. Flynn. The position ultimately went to H.R. McMaster, but Trump expressed his intention to find a position for Bolton in his administration.
June 1, 2017: Speech at MEK Gathering in Paris
Bolton spoke at an MEK gathering in Paris on June 1, 2017, reportedly receiving a speaking fee.
June 2017: Labeling Russian Interference an "Act of War"
Bolton characterized Russia's interference in the 2016 elections as an "act of war" in June 2017.
August 28, 2017: Publication of Proposal to Withdraw from Iran Deal
Bolton published a proposal on how to withdraw from the Iran deal in the National Review Online on August 28, 2017.
2017: Support for US Embassy Move to Jerusalem
Bolton testified before Congress in 2017, advocating for moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
2017: Income Disclosure for 2017
In 2017, John Bolton's total income was reported as $2.2 million, which included earnings from Fox News, speaking engagements, and other sources.
2017: Income Disclosure from Fox News
John Bolton's income from Fox News in 2017 was reported to be $569,000.
January 2018: Bolton's 2018 Midterm Election Plans and Support for Kevin Nicholson
In January 2018, John Bolton announced his goal to raise and spend \$25 million for up to 90 Republican candidates in the 2018 midterm elections. He also launched a \$1 million advertising campaign supporting Kevin Nicholson's bid for the Republican nomination against incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. The Super PAC also ran an ad campaign in the Green Bay area that month.
March 6, 2018: Bolton Interviewed for National Security Advisor Position
On March 6, 2018, Bolton was at the White House, likely for an interview as a potential replacement for H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor.
March 2018: Bolton Appointed National Security Advisor
John Bolton was appointed National Security Advisor in March 2018. Following his appointment, the John Bolton Super PAC and the John Bolton PAC announced the temporary suspension of their political activities, effective March 31, 2018.
March 2018: Departure from Gatestone Institute
In March 2018, John Bolton stepped down from his position as chairman of the Gatestone Institute, a far-right think tank known for spreading anti-Muslim views.
March 2018: Suggestion for South Korea to Handle North Korea
In March 2018, Bolton suggested that South Korea should handle the North Korea situation and even consider terminating the regime.
March 2018: Speech to Mujahedin-e-Khalq
Bolton addressed the Iranian exile group Mujahedin-e-Khalq in March 2018, advocating for regime change in Iran.
March 19, 2018: Super PAC Ad Campaign in Milwaukee
On March 19, 2018, the John Bolton Super PAC announced a two-week, \$278,000 television and radio ad campaign in the Milwaukee area to support Kevin Nicholson's bid for the Republican nomination against incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.
March 22, 2018: Bolton Appointed National Security Advisor
The New York Times reported on March 22, 2018, that John Bolton would succeed H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor, a move later confirmed by President Trump.
March 31, 2018: Suspension of John Bolton Super PAC and PAC Activities
Following Bolton's appointment as National Security Advisor in March 2018, the John Bolton Super PAC and the John Bolton PAC announced the temporary suspension of their political activities, effective March 31, 2018. The Super PAC's FEC filings indicated a balance of \$2.6 million in unspent donations at the end of March 2018.
April 9, 2018: Bolton Assumes Role as National Security Advisor
John Bolton officially began his tenure as National Security Advisor on April 9, 2018. His appointment, along with Mike Pompeo's, marked a shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy team in the Trump administration.
April 10, 2018: Bolton Restructures National Security Council
On April 10, 2018, at John Bolton's request, Homeland Security Advisor Tom Bossert resigned. Bolton hinted at merging the National Security Council (NSC) with the Homeland Security Council. In his first week, Bolton also sought and obtained the resignation of several NSC personnel, including spokesman Michael Anton, and deputy national security advisors Nadia Schadlow and Ricky L. Waddell.
April 2018: Bolton Urges Trump to Withdraw from Iran Nuclear Deal
John Bolton advocated for President Trump to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal in April 2018. Trump acted on this advice a month later.
April 2018: John Bolton Appointed as National Security Advisor
John Bolton was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the National Security Advisor in April 2018.
April 2018: Appointment as National Security Advisor and Pressure on Iran Deal
Upon becoming National Security Advisor in April 2018, Bolton urged President Trump to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.
May 8, 2018: Bolton Dismantles Global Health Security Team
On May 8, 2018, John Bolton disbanded the Global Health Security team, previously part of the NSC, and removed its leader, Timothy Ziemer. This move raised concerns about the administration's ability to prepare for and respond to pandemics and other biological threats, particularly given the timing, which coincided with an emerging Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
May 2018: Estimated Payment for MEK Speech
Journalist Joanne Stocker estimated in May 2018 that Bolton was paid a substantial amount for his 2017 MEK speech.
May 2018: U.S. Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal
In May 2018, the United States, under the Trump administration, withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal, a move advocated for by John Bolton.
July 2018: Reference to "Russia Witch Hunt"
As National Security Advisor in July 2018, Bolton referred to the investigation into Russian interference as a "witch hunt".
September 10, 2018: Bolton Criticizes International Criminal Court
In his first major address as National Security Advisor on September 10, 2018, John Bolton heavily criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing its lack of checks and balances, questionable jurisdiction, and failure to prevent atrocities. He deemed the ICC a threat to US sovereignty and national security, stating that the US would protect its citizens from any ICC prosecution attempts.
September 2018: Bolton Reduces NSC Staff
By September 2018, John Bolton had significantly reduced the size of the National Security Council (NSC) staff to under 300 people, as reported by CNN.
October 2018: Rationale for INF Treaty Withdrawal
In October 2018, John Bolton linked the United States' withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) with Russia to China's military expansion in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.
November 1, 2018: Praise for Latin American Leaders and Criticism of Socialist Regimes
On November 1, 2018, during a speech, National Security Advisor John Bolton expressed his approval of the right-wing conservative leaders of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, and Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez, referring to them as "like-minded" allies. He praised Bolsonaro's victory as a promising development for Latin America while denouncing Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua as a "troika of tyranny."
2018: John Bolton Leaves Kirkland & Ellis
John Bolton left his position at Kirkland & Ellis in 2018 upon his appointment as National Security Advisor.
2018: Conclusion of Role at AEI
John Bolton's time as Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) came to an end in 2018.
2018: Distrust of Certain Regimes and Focus on Iran
Bolton expressed distrust towards regimes like Russia, China, Syria, Iran, and North Korea in 2018. He emphasized regime change in Iran as a goal.
2018: Condemnation of China's Intellectual Property Practices
During 2018, John Bolton strongly condemned China's practices regarding intellectual property rights, particularly the country's role in intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers.
2018: Bolton Pushes for Military Action Against Iran
During his time as National Security Advisor, John Bolton urged the Pentagon to present the White House with options for military strikes against Iran. This reflected his long-standing hardline stance against Iran's leadership, dating back to his time in the George W. Bush administration.
2018: Continued Support for Iraq Invasion
In 2018, Bolton maintained his support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
2018: Stance on Territorial Adjustments
In 2018, Bolton suggested the US wouldn't oppose a mutually agreed territorial settlement regarding Kosovo.
2018: Criticism of One-China Policy
In 2018, John Bolton publicly criticized the United States' long-standing One-China policy, which acknowledges the People's Republic of China's claim over Taiwan.
January 2019: Bolton's Influence on Trump's Syria Withdrawal
As National Security Advisor, John Bolton changed the internal policy debate practices within the NSC, minimizing the kind of discussions that his predecessor, H.R. McMaster, had encouraged. This shift contributed to President Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw US troops from Syria in January 2019.
January 2019: Bolton Advocates for Hard Brexit
Axios reported in January 2019 that John Bolton, in his capacity as National Security Advisor, continued to advocate for a hard Brexit.
March 2019: Bolton Criticizes UK "Political Class" on Brexit
In a March 2019 interview with Sky News, John Bolton criticized the UK "political class" for their failure to implement the Brexit vote.
May 2019: Trump Undercuts Bolton's Hardline Stances
By May 2019, President Trump publicly contradicted some of John Bolton's hawkish positions, stating he did not seek regime change in Iran and disagreeing with Bolton's assertion that North Korea violated UN resolutions by testing short-range missiles.
May 2019: Trump's Comments on Bolton's Stances
In May 2019, President Trump stated that he sometimes had to "temper" John Bolton's hawkish views, particularly on issues like Cuba and Venezuela.
June 2019: Bolton Absent During Trump-Kim Meeting
While Trump prepared for his meeting with Kim Jong-un in the Korean Demilitarized Zone in June 2019, John Bolton was notably absent, instead traveling to Mongolia.
August 2019: Meeting with Alexander Lukashenko
In August 2019, John Bolton met with Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, in Minsk.
August 2019: Allegations of Trump's Quid Pro Quo with Ukraine
In August 2019, according to reports, John Bolton learned of President Trump's alleged attempts to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rivals in exchange for military aid.
September 10, 2019: Resignation from Trump Administration
On September 10, 2019, John Bolton resigned from his position in the Trump administration. There were conflicting accounts of the resignation, with President Trump claiming he fired Bolton and Bolton asserting he resigned voluntarily.
September 2019: John Bolton Leaves Role as National Security Advisor
John Bolton left his position as National Security Advisor in September 2019.
November 7, 2019: Refusal to Testify in Impeachment Inquiry
John Bolton refused to testify in the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump on November 7, 2019, citing legal concerns.
December 2019: Bolton Submits Memoir for Security Review
John Bolton submitted his memoir, "The Room Where It Happened," for prepublication security review in December 2019 after reaching an agreement to receive his security clearance.
2019: Sabotaging Diplomatic Efforts with Iran
Bolton, along with Benjamin Netanyahu and Mike Pompeo, undermined Trump's attempts to establish diplomatic relations with Iran in 2019.
2019: Prediction of Celebration in Tehran
Bolton predicted celebrating in Tehran before 2019 during his speech to the Mujahedin-e-Khalq.
January 3, 2020: Response to Qasem Soleimani Airstrike
Following the US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on January 3, 2020, Bolton called it a step towards regime change in Tehran.
January 6, 2020: Agreement to Testify in Senate Trial
John Bolton announced his willingness to testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed, reversing his earlier stance.
January 2020: Death of Qasem Soleimani
The death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020 is cited as a potential motive for the assassination plot against John Bolton.
January 28, 2020: Claims Regarding Ukraine Aid Deemed "Inadmissible"
On January 28, 2020, Trump's lawyer, Jay Sekulow, dismissed Bolton's claims regarding the withholding of aid to Ukraine as "inadmissible" during the Senate impeachment trial.
June 16, 2020: Trump Administration Attempts to Block Bolton's Memoir
On June 16, 2020, the Trump Justice Department sought to prevent the publication of John Bolton's memoir, "The Room Where It Happened." They attempted to seize Bolton's \$2 million advance, claiming a breach of contract for not completing the prepublication security review required for his security clearance. Bolton had submitted the book for review in December 2019 and was told by the National Security Council's senior director for prepublication review on April 27 that no further classification issues existed. Despite this, the White House did not provide written authorization for publication, and another NSC official was asked to review the manuscript in May. By June 17, when the Justice Department requested a federal judge to issue an injunction blocking publication, media outlets had already obtained copies and begun publishing articles about its contents.
2020: John Bolton Publishes Memoir
John Bolton authored and published his book, "The Room Where It Happened," in 2020, detailing his time in the Trump administration.
2020: Bolton's Attorney Alleges White House Stalling and Trump's Contradictory Claims
In 2020, John Bolton's attorney argued that the White House was deliberately delaying the review process to prevent the release of his memoir, which contained substantial criticism of Trump, during the 2020 election campaign. Reports indicated that Trump deemed the book's content "highly classified" while simultaneously dismissing it as "pure fiction."
June 2021: Justice Department Drops Inquiry and Confiscation Efforts
In June 2021, the Justice Department dropped its criminal investigation of John Bolton and ceased attempts to seize proceeds from his book, "The Room Where It Happened."
October 2021: Assassination Plot Against Bolton
In October 2021, an assassination plot targeting John Bolton was orchestrated, allegedly by Iranian operative Shahram Poursafi.
December 2021: Call for Strong Response to Russia
Bolton advocated for a firm response to the Russian troop buildup near Ukraine in December 2021.
February 2022: Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
July 2022: Bolton Admits to Involvement in Planning Foreign Coups
In July 2022, John Bolton admitted to his involvement in planning coups d'état in foreign countries during an interview with CNN. This admission came while he was denying that former President Donald Trump's actions during the January 6th Capitol attack were an attempt to overthrow the U.S. government.
August 10, 2022: Assassination Plot and Protective Detail
On August 10, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed an alleged plot by Shahram Poursafi, an Iranian national associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to assassinate John Bolton. The plot, believed to be in retaliation for the killing of Qasem Soleimani in January 2020, was orchestrated in October 2021. As a result, President Joe Biden authorized Secret Service protection for Bolton.
July 6, 2023: Support for Cluster Munitions to Ukraine
Bolton supported the Biden administration's decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine on July 6, 2023.
2023: Bolton's Criticism of Trump in Memoir Reissue
In the 2023 edition of his memoirs, John Bolton criticizes former President Donald Trump, characterizing him as someone who targets "personal enemies" while appeasing adversaries like Russia and China.
2024: Bolton Considers Presidential Run
John Bolton openly considered running for president in the 2024 United States presidential election to challenge former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. However, his proposal was met with widespread ridicule due to bipartisan opposition to him and his policies.