The reset of ties between Israel and key Arab states is a reflection of the shifting geostrategic tectonic plates in West Asia with Iran being the main focus, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said at WION Global Summit in Dubai on Wednesday.

The reset of ties between Israel and key Arab states is a reflection of the shifting geostrategic tectonic plates in West Asia with Iran being the main focus, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said at WION Global Summit in Dubai on Wednesday. "China is a consumer of energy, it sees the middle east as a source... this is a worrying aspect for countries in South East Asia, " says Former US National Security Adviser @AmbJohnBolton at #WIONGlobalSummit Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/A63WX6R6B3 pic.twitter.com/Q5RrHwNCgS — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × The recognition of Israel, the exchange of full diplomatic relations by UAE and Bahrain, and expectations that Sudan and Morocco will do the same, presages other Gulf Arab countries extending full diplomatic relations with Israel, he said in the keynote address to the summit's opening session. The rationale of that change is the appreciation between the Gulf Arab states and Israel that “the main threat to regional peace and security is not Israel, it's Iran,” he said. “Their perception of that threat triggered not just the formal diplomatic exchange, but an intensification of political, military and intelligence cooperation, all designed to protect not just against Iran nuclear threat, but its ballistic missile programme, support for terrorism in the region and beyond, and its deployment of conventional military forces through Iraq, Syria and elsewhere.” #WIONGlobalSummit 1 - Peace deals and the shifting sands of West Asia 2 - The post-pandemic world order 3 - World economy: The price of the pandemic 4 - Digital revolution: The world goes online https://t.co/dGyA9r66DG — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × This is a growing, continuing and expanding cooperation, he told the session titled "Peace Deals and the Shifting Sands of West Asia". “It provides enormous opportunities as well, not just on the military and political side, but on the economic side as well, with joining of Gulf oil revenues with Israeli technology being potentially very significant.” He pointed out that the potential for stability will bring foreign investment into the region too, making it not just a place whose sovereign investment funds invest around the world, but where more resources will be applied to the Gulf states themselves. The unspoken question is whether oil resources and natural gas in the region can be used for other things, such as in chemicals and plastics to provide a continuing supply of revenue for the states that have these resources, Bolton said. He also stressed the importance to guard against the possibility that the oil revenues will fall and not be replaced and generate other economic activity. Power play in the region In his address, Bolton briefly surveyed the ongoing power plays in the region. “Other outside powers will be playing, or certainly aspire to play, a large role in the region. The US, despite the continuing talk about the pivot to Asia, has to play as a power. We are interested everywhere. We're interested in East Asia, South Asia, West Asia, that's not going to go away,” he said. But other countries have begun to play an important role, and they could significantly “roil the waters in the Middle East,” he warned. “Russia is already doing it. Over the past years, it has enhanced its position in Syria, it's a surrogate player in the surrogate civil war in Libya.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said, continues to aspire to “recreate Russian influence equivalent to that of the former Soviet Union” in West Asia. China, being a consumer of energy, sees the Middle East as a source of petroleum that it needs. “It's a worrying aspect for countries in South East Asia and India as China tries to establish hegemony.” And Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which is conceivably a regional country, is pursuing “Neo-Ottomanist impulses” in Syria and the region, Bolton said. “It behaved in a way contrary to what its NATO obligations are”, he said, adding that Turkey, with its role in the surrogate war in Libya, is playing a role much larger than in the past.

Israel-Arab reset a reflection of geopolitical reality aimed at Iran, says former US NSA John Bolton at WION Global Summit

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's State Minister of Defence Nakayama Yasuhide, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and&nbsp;former US National Security Advisor John Bolton&nbsp;are among leaders who will address WION's Global summit 2021, to be held on March 24 in Dubai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/globalsummit/dubai-2021">WION Global Summit: Fourth Edition, Dubai 2021 — click here for details</a>

The event will be aired live on the WION channel, as well as on its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter accounts, from 12.00 PM IST on Wednesday.

'Power Play in a Post-Pandemic World' is the theme of the fourth edition of the summit, which will have thought-provoking discussions in four sessions.&nbsp;

Jaishankar will be the chief guest at the event to be held at The Oberoi, Dubai, where world leaders, thinkers and influencers will engage in dialogue on the common challenges currently affecting the world.&nbsp; 
 
Pavan Kapoor, Indian Ambassador to UAE, will deliver the welcome note on behalf of the host nation, United Arab Emirates.

Panelists will focus their attention on issues at the intersections of global politics, economy, diplomacy and our daily lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first session will focus on peace deals in West Asia. The discussion will touch upon several topics in the wake of the change of guard in the US and several nations formalising or normalising their diplomatic ties with Israel. Is the Abraham Accords a political win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a foreign affairs victory for Donald Trump? What is the future of the annexation of West Bank? Does it amount to a betrayal for Palestine? In the context of a new administration at the White House led by Joe Biden, what's the future of West Asia? Will the US be returning to the talking table with Iran, considered the 'common enemy'? These are among the questions that will be discussed at this session.&nbsp;

The opening keynote address will be delivered by John Bolton. The dialogue partners for the session are Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem; Mustapha Noman, Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Yemen; Ibrahim Shukralla, Emirati Editor from Abu Dhabi and Jason D Greenblatt, Former White House Middle East envoy.

The second session, titled The Post-Pandemic World Order, will explore how COVID-19 &nbsp;exposed the failure of multilateral institutions as well as the lack of global leadership. A key question that will be asked is, who will be the post-pandemic global leader, or will it have several global leaders?

There will be discussions on how the pandemic diminished the credibility of the US, the worst-hit by the pandemic, and exposed its lack of interest in global leadership. The session will also examine how the pandemic was a double whammy for West Asia, as it led to the oil market slump.

There will be discussions on the fight against political Islam in Europe. Other questions on the table would be: Has the pandemic opened opportunities for new alliances? Will the world reset its ties with China post the pandemic? Will there be a shift in economic power? Will there be a push towards multilateralism or ultra-nationalism? Besides these burning questions, the parleys will also focus on India's role in the post-pandemic world.&nbsp;

Nakayama Yasuhide, &nbsp;State Minister of Defence, Japan, will deliver the keynote address for the second session. Also addressing it are Youssef Chahed, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia; Michael Tsai, Former Defence Minister, Taiwan; Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Health, Maldives; Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee GBS JP, Chinese politician, member of ExCo &amp; LegCo and founder of New People's Party.

The third session, on World Economy: The Price of the Pandemic, will focus on how the coronavirus brought about an economic downturn not seen since World War II. It will examine economic trends of 2021, by the end of which global GDP is expected to be 7.5% lower than it would have been without the pandemic.&nbsp;

At issue are joblessness and business shutdowns, with 15% of young, previously employed, people out of jobs. The panelists will address areas such as US unemployment, which is highest since the Great Depression, as well as the future of pandemic-hit sectors such as oil, tourism and aviation. It will discuss why China is not being held accountable, even as several countries are pushed into a recession by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Those addressing these issues would be Jacek Rostowski, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Poland; Ian Goldin, former Vice President of the World Bank; Alexander Downer, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australia; and Alexander Dynkin, President, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy.

The fourth and last session will explore the digital revolution that saw the world go online during the pandemic. While digital was always the future, the pandemic has accelerated the shift, with e-working and e-learning becoming common. At issue are questions like whether companies will move to permanent work from home, and whether it will take a toll on work-life balance. Are concerns about data security being addressed during this digital revolution? Is the world prepared for the move online?&nbsp;

Joining this session are Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan; Maria Galindo, Advisor in International Digital Policy in Government of Catalonia; Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia; Jehudi Castro, Digital Advisor to the Colombian President and Former Vice-Minister of Digital Economy; Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies; and Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's State Minister of Defence Nakayama Yasuhide, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former US National Security Advisor John Bolton are among leaders who will address WION's Global summit 2021, to be held on March 24 in Dubai.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's State Minister of Defence Nakayama Yasuhide, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former US National Security Advisor John Bolton are among leaders who will address WION's Global summit 2021, to be held on March 24 in Dubai. WION Global Summit: Fourth Edition, Dubai 2021 — click here for details The event will be aired live on the WION channel, as well as on its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter accounts, from 12.00 PM IST on Wednesday. 'Power Play in a Post-Pandemic World' is the theme of the fourth edition of the summit, which will have thought-provoking discussions in four sessions. Jaishankar will be the chief guest at the event to be held at The Oberoi, Dubai, where world leaders, thinkers and influencers will engage in dialogue on the common challenges currently affecting the world. Pavan Kapoor, Indian Ambassador to UAE, will deliver the welcome note on behalf of the host nation, United Arab Emirates. Panelists will focus their attention on issues at the intersections of global politics, economy, diplomacy and our daily lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first session will focus on peace deals in West Asia. The discussion will touch upon several topics in the wake of the change of guard in the US and several nations formalising or normalising their diplomatic ties with Israel. Is the Abraham Accords a political win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a foreign affairs victory for Donald Trump? What is the future of the annexation of West Bank? Does it amount to a betrayal for Palestine? In the context of a new administration at the White House led by Joe Biden, what's the future of West Asia? Will the US be returning to the talking table with Iran, considered the 'common enemy'? These are among the questions that will be discussed at this session. The opening keynote address will be delivered by John Bolton. The dialogue partners for the session are Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem; Mustapha Noman, Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Yemen; Ibrahim Shukralla, Emirati Editor from Abu Dhabi and Jason D Greenblatt, Former White House Middle East envoy. The second session, titled The Post-Pandemic World Order, will explore how COVID-19 exposed the failure of multilateral institutions as well as the lack of global leadership. A key question that will be asked is, who will be the post-pandemic global leader, or will it have several global leaders? There will be discussions on how the pandemic diminished the credibility of the US, the worst-hit by the pandemic, and exposed its lack of interest in global leadership. The session will also examine how the pandemic was a double whammy for West Asia, as it led to the oil market slump. There will be discussions on the fight against political Islam in Europe. Other questions on the table would be: Has the pandemic opened opportunities for new alliances? Will the world reset its ties with China post the pandemic? Will there be a shift in economic power? Will there be a push towards multilateralism or ultra-nationalism? Besides these burning questions, the parleys will also focus on India's role in the post-pandemic world. Nakayama Yasuhide, State Minister of Defence, Japan, will deliver the keynote address for the second session. Also addressing it are Youssef Chahed, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia; Michael Tsai, Former Defence Minister, Taiwan; Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Health, Maldives; Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee GBS JP, Chinese politician, member of ExCo & LegCo and founder of New People's Party. The third session, on World Economy: The Price of the Pandemic, will focus on how the coronavirus brought about an economic downturn not seen since World War II. It will examine economic trends of 2021, by the end of which global GDP is expected to be 7.5% lower than it would have been without the pandemic. At issue are joblessness and business shutdowns, with 15% of young, previously employed, people out of jobs. The panelists will address areas such as US unemployment, which is highest since the Great Depression, as well as the future of pandemic-hit sectors such as oil, tourism and aviation. It will discuss why China is not being held accountable, even as several countries are pushed into a recession by the pandemic. Those addressing these issues would be Jacek Rostowski, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Poland; Ian Goldin, former Vice President of the World Bank; Alexander Downer, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australia; and Alexander Dynkin, President, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy. The fourth and last session will explore the digital revolution that saw the world go online during the pandemic. While digital was always the future, the pandemic has accelerated the shift, with e-working and e-learning becoming common. At issue are questions like whether companies will move to permanent work from home, and whether it will take a toll on work-life balance. Are concerns about data security being addressed during this digital revolution? Is the world prepared for the move online? Joining this session are Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan; Maria Galindo, Advisor in International Digital Policy in Government of Catalonia; Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia; Jehudi Castro, Digital Advisor to the Colombian President and Former Vice-Minister of Digital Economy; Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies; and Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France.

At WION Global Summit, leaders to deliberate on post-pandemic world order

Which candidate is a better bet for India? Will Trump benefit from his close ties with PM Modi? How far is US willing to go to Make China pay? John Bolton answers all these questions in this exclusive interview with WION's Palki Sharma.

John Bolton: Close ties with Modi will help Trump | Gravitas

US election 2020: Book troubles for Donald Trump in 2020

In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma, ex-US NSA John Bolton said that he doesn't think Trump knows anything about the history of India-China clashes over the decades since history doesn’t really stick with him. In this segment of WION, watch the full interview with former United States national security advisor John Bolton.

The Interview: Former US national security advisor John Bolton on WION

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates.

“I'm not sure how much he understands the significance of the border clash. I don’t think he knows anything about the history of these clashes over the decades between India and China. He may have been briefed on it, but history doesn’t really stick with him," Bolton said, in an exclusive conversation with WION, India’s first international news channel.

The former US NSA told Palki Sharma, WION's Executive Editor, “I don’t know which way he would go and I don’t think he knows either. I think he sees the geostrategic relationship with China for example exclusively through the prism of trade.&nbsp;And trade is important because China has stolen intellectual property from the United States and other countries, engaged in forceful technology transfers for decades and it forms a major part of their economic success and therefore military power. And that’s really how far it goes."

"I don’t know what Trump will do after the November elections once the guard rail is removed. He'll be back. He won't be criticising Beijing for putting Uyghurs in concentration camps or repressing Hong Kong. He will be back to the big China trade deal. So, if things were to develop between India and China in a more critical fashion, I'm not sure where he would come down," he added.

“Let me make sure, I have understood this right. That if things were to escalate between India and China at this moment, there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will back India against China?” Palki Sharma&nbsp;asked.

“That is correct," Bolton said, adding, “I think his gut instinct for the next four months is to take anything off the table that complicates what is already a difficult election campaign for him. So what he would want is quiet along the border whether it&nbsp;benefits China or India. From his point of view - no news is good news.”

HERE ARE A FEW EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:

WION: Do you think things are developing for the worse between India and China? There is a lot of back and forth. The November elections are still a few months away. Do you think it could escalate to a limited conflict?&nbsp;

John Bolton: Well, I hope it does not at the present time because with four months to go for an American election, you are simply not going to get Donald Trump's attention. The fact is China has been behaving in a belligerent fashion, all around its periphery, certainly in the East and South China sea. Its relations with Japan has declined, with India, you are well aware of the facts there.

I think this is China’s effort to assert itself through not just political and military means but also through the Belt and Road initiative and others to gain increased sway over countries that have become economically dependent on it.

Sri Lanka has been subject to this death diplomacy and Pakistan and many countries in Central Asia. I think China has a grand strategy and it's pursuing it, the United States has been asleep at the switch and so have many other countries. It is time to wake up and talk more among ourselves. For example, trilateral been a big advocate of greater tri-lateral cooperation between India, Japan, and the United States and I think that makes a lot of sense.

WION: Why is China on a warpath with the world right now? What do you make of Xi Jinping's moves at a time like this? Why is he picking fights with the world in the middle of a pandemic?&nbsp;

John Bolton: It goes back before the pandemic. He sees American weakness when he sees Donald Trump and I think he is right. When Trump sits across the table with Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;it’s not a contest of equals. It always made me worry about what he might give away. The Pandemic has probably persuaded Xi Jinping to be more assertive to cover up as they have been covering up these past 6 months despite how bad the medical effect of the disease was in China and on the Chinese economy and what they did to cover up the source and consequence of the disease.”

It is indicative of the government we are dealing with in Beijing. They didn’t cooperate internationally and tried to use the World Health organization for their own purposes and I'm&nbsp;afraid largely succeeded.

WION: What happened after India's Balakot strikes on Pakistan? How did Trump and the White house assess the situation? What was conveyed to Delhi and Islamabad?

John Bolton: It took place when we were in Hanoi for the second summit with Kim Jong-un and both Mike Pompeo and me were there and away from our base of operations in Washington.

We spent hours on the phone with Ajit Doval and others in India and counterparts in Pakistan. My assessment was and I said publicly at the time and told Ajit as well - we thought India had acted in self-defence and the actions were appropriate and we think there were responsible steps to de-escalate what could have been a very serious crisis.

WION: The US president has repeatedly offered to mediate in Kashmir and he has been told it is a bilateral issue. Why does he keep repeating these offers?

John Bolton: (Laughs) You know, I can remember several times where I have explained India’s longstanding position on Kashmir and it just doesn’t sink in. There is no explanation for it. We&nbsp;tell him India thinks it’s a bilateral issue and it has to be resolved by negotiation with Pakistan. Donald Trump thinks everything is a deal and who better to mediate it than him and you are going to hear it again and if he wins, you are going to hear it for the next four years.&nbsp;

The interview will air on WION on Saturday at 9:30 pm and on Sunday 10:30 pm. It will also be available on wionews.com,&nbsp;and on its social media platforms.

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates.

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates. “I'm not sure how much he understands the significance of the border clash. I don’t think he knows anything about the history of these clashes over the decades between India and China. He may have been briefed on it, but history doesn’t really stick with him," Bolton said, in an exclusive conversation with WION, India’s first international news channel. The former US NSA told Palki Sharma, WION's Executive Editor, “I don’t know which way he would go and I don’t think he knows either. I think he sees the geostrategic relationship with China for example exclusively through the prism of trade. And trade is important because China has stolen intellectual property from the United States and other countries, engaged in forceful technology transfers for decades and it forms a major part of their economic success and therefore military power. And that’s really how far it goes." "I don’t know what Trump will do after the November elections once the guard rail is removed. He'll be back. He won't be criticising Beijing for putting Uyghurs in concentration camps or repressing Hong Kong. He will be back to the big China trade deal. So, if things were to develop between India and China in a more critical fashion, I'm not sure where he would come down," he added. “Let me make sure, I have understood this right. That if things were to escalate between India and China at this moment, there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will back India against China?” Palki Sharma asked. “That is correct," Bolton said, adding, “I think his gut instinct for the next four months is to take anything off the table that complicates what is already a difficult election campaign for him. So what he would want is quiet along the border whether it benefits China or India. From his point of view - no news is good news.” HERE ARE A FEW EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW: WION: Do you think things are developing for the worse between India and China? There is a lot of back and forth. The November elections are still a few months away. Do you think it could escalate to a limited conflict? John Bolton: Well, I hope it does not at the present time because with four months to go for an American election, you are simply not going to get Donald Trump's attention. The fact is China has been behaving in a belligerent fashion, all around its periphery, certainly in the East and South China sea. Its relations with Japan has declined, with India, you are well aware of the facts there. I think this is China’s effort to assert itself through not just political and military means but also through the Belt and Road initiative and others to gain increased sway over countries that have become economically dependent on it. Sri Lanka has been subject to this death diplomacy and Pakistan and many countries in Central Asia. I think China has a grand strategy and it's pursuing it, the United States has been asleep at the switch and so have many other countries. It is time to wake up and talk more among ourselves. For example, trilateral been a big advocate of greater tri-lateral cooperation between India, Japan, and the United States and I think that makes a lot of sense. WION: Why is China on a warpath with the world right now? What do you make of Xi Jinping's moves at a time like this? Why is he picking fights with the world in the middle of a pandemic? John Bolton: It goes back before the pandemic. He sees American weakness when he sees Donald Trump and I think he is right. When Trump sits across the table with Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin, it’s not a contest of equals. It always made me worry about what he might give away. The Pandemic has probably persuaded Xi Jinping to be more assertive to cover up as they have been covering up these past 6 months despite how bad the medical effect of the disease was in China and on the Chinese economy and what they did to cover up the source and consequence of the disease.” It is indicative of the government we are dealing with in Beijing. They didn’t cooperate internationally and tried to use the World Health organization for their own purposes and I'm afraid largely succeeded. WION: What happened after India's Balakot strikes on Pakistan? How did Trump and the White house assess the situation? What was conveyed to Delhi and Islamabad? John Bolton: It took place when we were in Hanoi for the second summit with Kim Jong-un and both Mike Pompeo and me were there and away from our base of operations in Washington. We spent hours on the phone with Ajit Doval and others in India and counterparts in Pakistan. My assessment was and I said publicly at the time and told Ajit as well - we thought India had acted in self-defence and the actions were appropriate and we think there were responsible steps to de-escalate what could have been a very serious crisis. WION: The US president has repeatedly offered to mediate in Kashmir and he has been told it is a bilateral issue. Why does he keep repeating these offers? John Bolton: (Laughs) You know, I can remember several times where I have explained India’s longstanding position on Kashmir and it just doesn’t sink in. There is no explanation for it. We tell him India thinks it’s a bilateral issue and it has to be resolved by negotiation with Pakistan. Donald Trump thinks everything is a deal and who better to mediate it than him and you are going to hear it again and if he wins, you are going to hear it for the next four years. The interview will air on WION on Saturday at 9:30 pm and on Sunday 10:30 pm. It will also be available on wionews.com, and on its social media platforms.

Trump may not back India against China in case of conflict, says former US NSA John Bolton to WION

Watch how former U.S. National Security Advisor imitated Donald Trump while explaining why the U.S. President keeps offering to mediate on Kashmir. Bolton's full interview with WION's Palki airs at 9:30 PM Tonight.

Watch: John Bolton imitates Donald Trump

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has said that if tensions between India & China escalate, The Trump Administration may not back India. Watch some excerpts from an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

Exclusive: The John Bolton Interview

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

"...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden &amp; Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Nobody briefed or told me, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Pence, or Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkMeadows?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkMeadows</a> about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. Everybody is denying it &amp; there have not been many attacks on us.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1277202159109537793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaccurate-white-house-rubbishes-reports-of-trumps-failed-actions-on-russian-bounties-case-309084">Also read|&nbsp;Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case</a>

"It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis.

White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after&nbsp;New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action.

"The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said.

John Bolton&nbsp;has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'.

As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement. "...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted. Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News @nytimes. Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020 × Also read| Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case "It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis. White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action. "The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said. John Bolton has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'. As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties

China's President Xi Jinping had asked his United States counterpart Donald Trump for personal "favors" to influence the elimination of sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corporation, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton claimed in his book called "The Room Where It Happened."

China's head of state allegedly raised the issue in phone calls with Trump in May 2018 and June 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/groundless-allegations-china-criticises-canadas-megaphone-diplomacy-over-spy-charges-309115" hreflang="en">Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges</a>

"Xi warned that, if not handled properly, Huawei would harm the overall bilateral relationship," Bolton wrote.

In talks on trade and Taiwan at the Group of 20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka in 2019, Xi lectured Trump on the humiliation that China experienced as a result of the Treaty of Versailles a century earlier, according to the book.

The treaty drafted in Paris in 1919 ended World War I but China refused to sign because it returned German-occupied Shandong in eastern China to Japanese control rather than Chinese rule.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

The G20 discussion came a year after an 8.30pm phone call on May 8 between the leaders in which Xi brought up the issue of US Commerce Department restrictions on telecom equipment giant ZTE over its alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran, restrictions that Trump described as “very strong, even harsh”, according to the book.

On May 13, less than a week after that evening call, Trump tweeted that he and Xi were “working together to give … ZTE a way to get back into business, fast” as there were “too many jobs in China lost”. In July, the US lifted the crippling sanctions on the company.

"Xi wanted the ban on Huawei lifted, and said he wanted to work jointly with Trump personally on the issue, and Trump seemed amenable," the former White House official added.

The US has sold a "tremendous amount of product" to the Chinese company, the American president announced a week later.

While Trump has dismissed Bolton’s book as a “compilation of lies and made-up stories”, the anecdotes and details from his former national security adviser offer a glimpse of the Trump administration’s often erratic policy on China and closed-door talks with Chinese officials.

The memoir described Trump’s diplomacy as relying heavily on personal relationships with foreign leaders, including Xi, and the Chinese president in turn making direct requests to Trump on key issues.

China's President Xi Jinping had asked his United States counterpart Donald Trump for personal "favors" to influence the elimination of sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co.

China's President Xi Jinping had asked his United States counterpart Donald Trump for personal "favors" to influence the elimination of sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corporation, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton claimed in his book called "The Room Where It Happened." China's head of state allegedly raised the issue in phone calls with Trump in May 2018 and June 2019. Also read: Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges "Xi warned that, if not handled properly, Huawei would harm the overall bilateral relationship," Bolton wrote. In talks on trade and Taiwan at the Group of 20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka in 2019, Xi lectured Trump on the humiliation that China experienced as a result of the Treaty of Versailles a century earlier, according to the book. The treaty drafted in Paris in 1919 ended World War I but China refused to sign because it returned German-occupied Shandong in eastern China to Japanese control rather than Chinese rule. Also read: Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton The G20 discussion came a year after an 8.30pm phone call on May 8 between the leaders in which Xi brought up the issue of US Commerce Department restrictions on telecom equipment giant ZTE over its alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran, restrictions that Trump described as “very strong, even harsh”, according to the book. On May 13, less than a week after that evening call, Trump tweeted that he and Xi were “working together to give … ZTE a way to get back into business, fast” as there were “too many jobs in China lost”. In July, the US lifted the crippling sanctions on the company. "Xi wanted the ban on Huawei lifted, and said he wanted to work jointly with Trump personally on the issue, and Trump seemed amenable," the former White House official added. The US has sold a "tremendous amount of product" to the Chinese company, the American president announced a week later. While Trump has dismissed Bolton’s book as a “compilation of lies and made-up stories”, the anecdotes and details from his former national security adviser offer a glimpse of the Trump administration’s often erratic policy on China and closed-door talks with Chinese officials. The memoir described Trump’s diplomacy as relying heavily on personal relationships with foreign leaders, including Xi, and the Chinese president in turn making direct requests to Trump on key issues.

Xi Jinping asked for personal 'favours' from Trump for Huawei and ZTE: John Bolton

For those who have closely followed US President Donald Trump's journey to the top, China has not been the most heard word.

There was a time when another word followed Trump closely -- Russia!!!

Trump has been fairly obsessed with Russia. And his reasons were completely different.

Some believe Trump allegedly had Russia interfere in the 2016 presidential election. In other words, he took help from Russia to win the race to the White House.

A Mueller probe was conducted into this, which only sparked more questions than it answered.

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Four years on, elections are round the corner again. And so are reports of foreign meddling.

Apparenty, the US President is again seeking foreign help.

There's talk of another country.&nbsp;

This time it is China -- a country that gave the world 'kung flu'.

Trump only came up with this name -- at an election rally.

In the aftermath, Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton has claimed that he had asked China President Xi Jinping to help him secure 2020 elections.

Bolton was once a part of the Trump administration, and now is his biggest critic. He has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'.

As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House. It provides an arsenal of ammunition to hurl at the president till November.

The biggest charge is that Trump allegedly sought cover assistance for his re-election bid from Xi Jinping.

"He -- Donald Trump -- then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election, alluding to China’s economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he’d win."

There's some proof to the validity of this statement.

Trump's dealings with China go back to pre-White House years.

In 2008, he signed a deal with the Chinese Evergrande group. In 2012, Trump inked a deal for developing a property in Beijing. Around 2016, he reportedly wanted to build Trump hotels in 20 to 30 Chinese cities.

And in 2017, Trump roped in two Chinese companies to construct a golf resort in Dubai.

This history clearly involves a lot of money too. And a lot of it was apparently coming from the Bank of China.

It reportedly supplied a large funding for Trump's real-estate deals. But does a history of business with China make trump guilty of aiding election interference?

Or should one look at how the behaviour of Trump's White House has been towards China.

Since Trump entered the White House, he has been pretty harsh on Beijing. Experts say Trump has single-handedly changed the geo-political tactics.

From declaring a trade war on China and banning Huawei to calling COVID-19 a Chinese virus, Trump has spared no opportunity to take on China. He recently punished China by eliminating Washington's special treatment of Hong Kong.

Trump also sanctioned Chinese officials responsible for running Uighur camps in Xinjiang. He went to the extent of claiming that China wants him to lose the 2020 race.

In short, we still cannot be sure how true Bolton's claims in the book are. 
&nbsp;

For those who have closely followed US President Donald Trump's journey to the top, China has not been the most heard word. There was a time when another word followed Trump closely -- Russia!

For those who have closely followed US President Donald Trump's journey to the top, China has not been the most heard word. There was a time when another word followed Trump closely -- Russia!!! Trump has been fairly obsessed with Russia. And his reasons were completely different. Some believe Trump allegedly had Russia interfere in the 2016 presidential election. In other words, he took help from Russia to win the race to the White House. A Mueller probe was conducted into this, which only sparked more questions than it answered. × Four years on, elections are round the corner again. And so are reports of foreign meddling. Apparenty, the US President is again seeking foreign help. There's talk of another country. This time it is China -- a country that gave the world 'kung flu'. Trump only came up with this name -- at an election rally. In the aftermath, Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton has claimed that he had asked China President Xi Jinping to help him secure 2020 elections. Bolton was once a part of the Trump administration, and now is his biggest critic. He has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'. As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House. It provides an arsenal of ammunition to hurl at the president till November. The biggest charge is that Trump allegedly sought cover assistance for his re-election bid from Xi Jinping. "He -- Donald Trump -- then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election, alluding to China’s economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he’d win." There's some proof to the validity of this statement. Trump's dealings with China go back to pre-White House years. In 2008, he signed a deal with the Chinese Evergrande group. In 2012, Trump inked a deal for developing a property in Beijing. Around 2016, he reportedly wanted to build Trump hotels in 20 to 30 Chinese cities. And in 2017, Trump roped in two Chinese companies to construct a golf resort in Dubai. This history clearly involves a lot of money too. And a lot of it was apparently coming from the Bank of China. It reportedly supplied a large funding for Trump's real-estate deals. But does a history of business with China make trump guilty of aiding election interference? Or should one look at how the behaviour of Trump's White House has been towards China. Since Trump entered the White House, he has been pretty harsh on Beijing. Experts say Trump has single-handedly changed the geo-political tactics. From declaring a trade war on China and banning Huawei to calling COVID-19 a Chinese virus, Trump has spared no opportunity to take on China. He recently punished China by eliminating Washington's special treatment of Hong Kong. Trump also sanctioned Chinese officials responsible for running Uighur camps in Xinjiang. He went to the extent of claiming that China wants him to lose the 2020 race. In short, we still cannot be sure how true Bolton's claims in the book are.

Should claims made in Bolton's new book be trusted?

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said Sunday he thinks North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "gets a huge laugh" over US counterpart Donald Trump's perception of their relationship.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said Sunday he thinks North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "gets a huge laugh" over US counterpart Donald Trump's perception of their relationship. Bolton was speaking to ABC News for his first interview ahead of the Tuesday release of his tell-all book, which contains many damning allegations against Trump. When journalist Martha Raddatz asked if Trump "really believes Kim Jong-un loves him," Bolton replied he could see no other explanation. "I think Kim Jong Un gets a huge laugh out of this," Bolton said. "These letters that the president has shown to the press... are written by some functionary in the North Korean Workers Party agitprop office. "And yet, the president has looked at them as evidence of this deep friendship," he said, adding that friendship does not amount to international diplomacy. Bolton also said he does not consider Trump to be fit for office and hopes he is a one-term president. "I hope (history) will remember him as a one-term president who didn't plunge the country irretrievably into a downward spiral we can't recall from. We can get over one term," he said. Bolton added that he will vote for neither Trump nor Democrat Joe Biden in the November presidential elections. Instead, he will "figure out a conservative Republican to write in" on the ballot. Trump's administration had sought to halt publication of Bolton's book, but a US judge refused Saturday to block its release, saying it was too late for a restraining order.

Ex-Trump aide Bolton says North Korea's Kim Jong-un laughing at US president

Bolton's new book contains damning claims against Trump, Judge rejects Trump's bid to ban book. Watch this video to know more.

Bolton's new book contains damning claims against Trump, Judge rejects Trump's bid to ban book

A US judge on Saturday denied a request by the Trump administration for an injunction to block the publication of a book by former White House advisor John Bolton.

"While Bolton's unilateral conduct raises grave national security concerns, the government has not established that an injunction is an appropriate remedy," the judge ruled.

The book, scheduled to hit store shelves on Tuesday, is already in the hands of media organisations.

The administration had sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the publication of "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," saying it contained classified information and threatened national security.

Judge Royce Lamberth of the DC District Court wrote in a 10-page decision on Saturday morning that the Justice Department's arguments weren't enough to stop the book's release. He cited how the book had already been widely distributed, and could easily be distributed further on the internet, even if the court said it could not be.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-heads-to-court-to-block-release-of-bolton-memoir-307159">Also read |&nbsp;Trump administration heads to court to block release of Bolton memoir</a>

Lamberth also noted Bolton could still be exposed to criminal liability. He also slammed Bolton for moving the publication forward before he formally got the administration's approval.

"Defendant Bolton has gambled with the national security of the United States. He has exposed his country to harm and himself to civil (and potentially criminal) liability," the judge wrote.

But he said an injunction would be too late to stem the harm. "With hundreds of thousands of copies around the globe —many in newsrooms — the damage is done," Lamberth said.In a tweet shortly after the decision was released, Trump charged again that Bolton was releasing classified information. "He must pay a very big price for this, as others have before him," Trump said. "This should never to happen again!!!"

Trump drew some solace from the judge's rebuke of Bolton.

"BIG COURT WIN against Bolton. Obviously, with the book already given out and leaked to many people and the media," Trump said.

Simon &amp; Schuster, the publishers of Bolton's memoir welcomed the ruling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-consider-next-steps-after-bolton-revelations-on-trump-306879">Also read |&nbsp;Democrats consider next steps after Bolton revelations on Trump</a>

"We are grateful that the Court has vindicated the strong First Amendment protections against censorship and prior restraint of publication," they said in a statement.

Bolton's book has drawn wide attention for its withering portrayal of Trump and how politics drove the president's foreign policy. Bolton describes Trump as imploring Chinese President Xi Jinping for help in winning his 2020 re-election bid, and he detailed alleged improprieties not addressed in Trump's impeachment trial.

Trump ousted Bolton, a foreign policy hawk, last September after 17 months as national security advisor.

A US judge on Saturday denied a request by the Trump administration for an injunction to block the publication of a book by former White House advisor John Bolton.

A US judge on Saturday denied a request by the Trump administration for an injunction to block the publication of a book by former White House advisor John Bolton. "While Bolton's unilateral conduct raises grave national security concerns, the government has not established that an injunction is an appropriate remedy," the judge ruled. The book, scheduled to hit store shelves on Tuesday, is already in the hands of media organisations. The administration had sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the publication of "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," saying it contained classified information and threatened national security. Judge Royce Lamberth of the DC District Court wrote in a 10-page decision on Saturday morning that the Justice Department's arguments weren't enough to stop the book's release. He cited how the book had already been widely distributed, and could easily be distributed further on the internet, even if the court said it could not be. Also read | Trump administration heads to court to block release of Bolton memoir Lamberth also noted Bolton could still be exposed to criminal liability. He also slammed Bolton for moving the publication forward before he formally got the administration's approval. "Defendant Bolton has gambled with the national security of the United States. He has exposed his country to harm and himself to civil (and potentially criminal) liability," the judge wrote. But he said an injunction would be too late to stem the harm. "With hundreds of thousands of copies around the globe —many in newsrooms — the damage is done," Lamberth said.In a tweet shortly after the decision was released, Trump charged again that Bolton was releasing classified information. "He must pay a very big price for this, as others have before him," Trump said. "This should never to happen again!!!" Trump drew some solace from the judge's rebuke of Bolton. "BIG COURT WIN against Bolton. Obviously, with the book already given out and leaked to many people and the media," Trump said. Simon & Schuster, the publishers of Bolton's memoir welcomed the ruling. Also read | Democrats consider next steps after Bolton revelations on Trump "We are grateful that the Court has vindicated the strong First Amendment protections against censorship and prior restraint of publication," they said in a statement. Bolton's book has drawn wide attention for its withering portrayal of Trump and how politics drove the president's foreign policy. Bolton describes Trump as imploring Chinese President Xi Jinping for help in winning his 2020 re-election bid, and he detailed alleged improprieties not addressed in Trump's impeachment trial. Trump ousted Bolton, a foreign policy hawk, last September after 17 months as national security advisor.

US judge denies Trump administration request to block Bolton's book

The Trump administration is heading to court on Friday afternoon to urge a federal judge to block the publication of former national security adviser John Bolton's memoir.

US District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington will consider the government's emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to stop the memoir's release, because it contained classified information and publication could threaten national security.

Several excerpts have already been released from the book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," which is scheduled for release on Tuesday.

The book has drawn attention for its withering portrayal of Trump, including alleged improprieties far more extensive than the accusations underlying the president's impeachment trial, where he was acquitted in February.

Bolton is a foreign policy hawk who was ousted last September after 17 months as national security adviser.

He accused Trump in the memoir of exhibiting "fundamentally unacceptable behaviour" that eroded the legitimacy of the presidency, and being driven by his own political interests. 
Bolton said Trump, who is seeking re-election on Nov. 3, once explicitly sought Chinese President Xi Jinping's help to win a second term.

Trump tweeted on Thursday that the book was "a compilation of lies and made up stories," which could undermine the argument that publication could pose a threat.

The government supported its argument with filings from several senior intelligence officials who said publishing would damage national security.

Simon &amp; Schuster, Bolton's publisher, has rejected the government's accusations, and lawyers for Bolton said more than 200,000 copies of the book have already been distributed.

Bolton's lawyers also called an injunction an illegal prior restraint, citing the Supreme Court's 1971 rejection of the Nixon administration's bid to stop publication of the Pentagon Papers, which detailed US&nbsp;military involvement in Vietnam.

The Trump administration is heading to court on Friday afternoon to urge a federal judge to block the publication of former national security adviser John Bolton's memoir.

The Trump administration is heading to court on Friday afternoon to urge a federal judge to block the publication of former national security adviser John Bolton's memoir. US District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington will consider the government's emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to stop the memoir's release, because it contained classified information and publication could threaten national security. Several excerpts have already been released from the book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," which is scheduled for release on Tuesday. The book has drawn attention for its withering portrayal of Trump, including alleged improprieties far more extensive than the accusations underlying the president's impeachment trial, where he was acquitted in February. Bolton is a foreign policy hawk who was ousted last September after 17 months as national security adviser. He accused Trump in the memoir of exhibiting "fundamentally unacceptable behaviour" that eroded the legitimacy of the presidency, and being driven by his own political interests. Bolton said Trump, who is seeking re-election on Nov. 3, once explicitly sought Chinese President Xi Jinping's help to win a second term. Trump tweeted on Thursday that the book was "a compilation of lies and made up stories," which could undermine the argument that publication could pose a threat. The government supported its argument with filings from several senior intelligence officials who said publishing would damage national security. Simon & Schuster, Bolton's publisher, has rejected the government's accusations, and lawyers for Bolton said more than 200,000 copies of the book have already been distributed. Bolton's lawyers also called an injunction an illegal prior restraint, citing the Supreme Court's 1971 rejection of the Nixon administration's bid to stop publication of the Pentagon Papers, which detailed US military involvement in Vietnam.

Trump administration heads to court to block release of Bolton memoir

The Trump administration continued lambasting former National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton for his memoir as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called&nbsp;him a "liar" and "traitor".

Bolton "is spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths and outright falsehoods," the secretary of state said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-blocks-boltons-book-contains-classified-information-277453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is both sad and dangerous that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-trump-unfit-for-office-as-book-alleges-sweeping-misdeeds-306850">Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds</a>

'The Room Where It Happened' is due to be released on Tuesday and excerpts of it are released in several US publications, which are making sensational claims on US President Donald Trump.

The excerpts said that Pompeo, one of the rare aides who never clashed publicly with Trump, disparaged him in private.

Other claims said that Trump urged China to help him get re-elected, supported Beijing's efforts for the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, among others.&nbsp;

Trump in multiple tweets on Thursday described Bolton as a "wacko" and his book as a "compilation of lies and made up stories".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bolton’s book, which is getting terrible reviews, is a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad. Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction. Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1273603410340843520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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....He didn’t want Bolton anywhere near him. Bolton’s dumbest of all statements set us back very badly with North Korea, even now. I asked him, “what the hell were you thinking?” He had no answer and just apologized. That was early on, I should have fired him right then &amp; there!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1273620783131250690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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When Wacko John Bolton went on Deface the Nation and so stupidly said that he looked at the “Libyan Model” for North Korea, all hell broke out. Kim Jong Un, who we were getting along with very well, went “ballistic”, just like his missiles - and rightfully so....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1273620779645665280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Trump administration on Friday will go to court to block the publication of the book on the grounds that it contains classified information.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration continued lambasting former National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton for his memoir as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him a "liar" and "traitor".

The Trump administration continued lambasting former National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton for his memoir as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him a "liar" and "traitor". Bolton "is spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths and outright falsehoods," the secretary of state said in a statement. Watch | "It is both sad and dangerous that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people." Also read | Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds 'The Room Where It Happened' is due to be released on Tuesday and excerpts of it are released in several US publications, which are making sensational claims on US President Donald Trump. The excerpts said that Pompeo, one of the rare aides who never clashed publicly with Trump, disparaged him in private. Other claims said that Trump urged China to help him get re-elected, supported Beijing's efforts for the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, among others. Trump in multiple tweets on Thursday described Bolton as a "wacko" and his book as a "compilation of lies and made up stories". Bolton’s book, which is getting terrible reviews, is a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad. Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction. Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020 × ....He didn’t want Bolton anywhere near him. Bolton’s dumbest of all statements set us back very badly with North Korea, even now. I asked him, “what the hell were you thinking?” He had no answer and just apologized. That was early on, I should have fired him right then & there! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020 × When Wacko John Bolton went on Deface the Nation and so stupidly said that he looked at the “Libyan Model” for North Korea, all hell broke out. Kim Jong Un, who we were getting along with very well, went “ballistic”, just like his missiles - and rightfully so.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020 × The Trump administration on Friday will go to court to block the publication of the book on the grounds that it contains classified information.

'Lies' by a 'traitor': Mike Pompeo lambasts John Bolton for new book

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The justice department said that Bolton moved forward with the book's release ahead of the completion of the national security review process, and "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

On Wednesday too, Trump made similar claims, accusing the ex-NSA of breaking the law by divulging "highly classified information".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-government-files-lawsuit-to-prevent-publication-of-boltons-book-306373">Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book</a> 
&nbsp; 
Bolton's new book has made stunning claims about Trump and excerpts of it are leaked in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal.

One of the highlights of these claims was that Trump pleaded to China to help him win re-election.&nbsp;

The ex-NSA mentioned the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump last June, in which the former "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win".&nbsp;

The leaks also said that the US president favoured dictators and praised Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton was a part of Trump administration but resigned from the office of NSA last September after spending 17 months due to his disagreements with Trump.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday.

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday. The justice department said that Bolton moved forward with the book's release ahead of the completion of the national security review process, and "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton On Wednesday too, Trump made similar claims, accusing the ex-NSA of breaking the law by divulging "highly classified information". Also read | Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book Bolton's new book has made stunning claims about Trump and excerpts of it are leaked in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. One of the highlights of these claims was that Trump pleaded to China to help him win re-election. The ex-NSA mentioned the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump last June, in which the former "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win". The leaks also said that the US president favoured dictators and praised Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton was a part of Trump administration but resigned from the office of NSA last September after spending 17 months due to his disagreements with Trump.

Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday said they were considering next steps, including a subpoena, on how to respond to allegations by former top White House aide John Bolton that President Donald Trump sought foreign help to get re-elected.

In a new book that paints a withering portrait of his ex-boss, the former national security adviser accused Trump of sweeping misdeeds that included explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping’s aid in winning a second term in the Nov. 3 presidential election.

The Republican president rejected the book as a "compilation of lies" and called his former adviser a "sick puppy" who was trying to avenge his firing.

Bolton refused to testify in the US House of Representatives impeachment probe and threatened to sue if subpoenaed, but he offered to testify in the subsequent Senate trial. The Republican-controlled Senate did not take Bolton up on his offer.

Democrats were angry that Bolton saved his revelations for a book, rather than participate in the probe.

US Representative Adam Schiff, the Intelligence Committee chairman who led the impeachment inquiry late last year, sharply criticised Bolton as unpatriotic for withholding the information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eight-of-the-most-stunning-claims-made-by-trumps-former-nsa-in-his-tell-all-book-306844">IN PICS&nbsp;|&nbsp;Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book</a>

"We will continue to hold Trump accountable, and work to expose his abuses and corruption. In the coming days, we will be consulting with the Speaker and other chairs on next steps," he said in a statement.

The new allegations, Schiff said, are "further proof" that Trump's actions in Ukraine are part of a pattern of abusing his power and the US government for personal political gain.

Asked whether the Democratic-led House would consider subpoenaing Bolton now, US Representative James Clyburn said, "I think that's something we ought to consider."

Clyburn told CNN that Bolton cannot claim executive privilege and should "come down and let the American people know that this election this year is under threat of being invaded once again by a foreign power."

Bolton, who left the White House in September, also said Trump expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked, according to excerpts published in several major newspapers on Wednesday.

The allegations include far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment.

"I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in an interview aired on Thursday.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block Bolton from publishing the book.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-trump-unfit-for-office-as-book-alleges-sweeping-misdeeds-306850">Also read |&nbsp;Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds</a>

In the memoir, Bolton cited multiple conversations in which Trump demonstrated behavior "that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency."

"There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Bolton told ABC News.

Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite the Trump administration's criticism of China's mass detention.

Bolton also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the US government has said it does not favor using force to topple Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

At a summer 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Trump made some of his most alarming remarks to date on the media, saying journalists should be jailed so they have to divulge their sources and "should be executed," Bolton said, according to one excerpt.

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday said they were considering next steps, including a subpoena, on how to respond to allegations by former top White House aide John Bolton that President Donald Trump sought foreign help to get re-elected.

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday said they were considering next steps, including a subpoena, on how to respond to allegations by former top White House aide John Bolton that President Donald Trump sought foreign help to get re-elected. In a new book that paints a withering portrait of his ex-boss, the former national security adviser accused Trump of sweeping misdeeds that included explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping’s aid in winning a second term in the Nov. 3 presidential election. The Republican president rejected the book as a "compilation of lies" and called his former adviser a "sick puppy" who was trying to avenge his firing. Bolton refused to testify in the US House of Representatives impeachment probe and threatened to sue if subpoenaed, but he offered to testify in the subsequent Senate trial. The Republican-controlled Senate did not take Bolton up on his offer. Democrats were angry that Bolton saved his revelations for a book, rather than participate in the probe. US Representative Adam Schiff, the Intelligence Committee chairman who led the impeachment inquiry late last year, sharply criticised Bolton as unpatriotic for withholding the information. IN PICS | Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book "We will continue to hold Trump accountable, and work to expose his abuses and corruption. In the coming days, we will be consulting with the Speaker and other chairs on next steps," he said in a statement. The new allegations, Schiff said, are "further proof" that Trump's actions in Ukraine are part of a pattern of abusing his power and the US government for personal political gain. Asked whether the Democratic-led House would consider subpoenaing Bolton now, US Representative James Clyburn said, "I think that's something we ought to consider." Clyburn told CNN that Bolton cannot claim executive privilege and should "come down and let the American people know that this election this year is under threat of being invaded once again by a foreign power." Bolton, who left the White House in September, also said Trump expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked, according to excerpts published in several major newspapers on Wednesday. The allegations include far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment. "I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in an interview aired on Thursday. The US Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block Bolton from publishing the book. Also read | Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds In the memoir, Bolton cited multiple conversations in which Trump demonstrated behavior "that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency." "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Bolton told ABC News. Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite the Trump administration's criticism of China's mass detention. Bolton also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the US government has said it does not favor using force to topple Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro. At a summer 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Trump made some of his most alarming remarks to date on the media, saying journalists should be jailed so they have to divulge their sources and "should be executed," Bolton said, according to one excerpt.

Democrats consider next steps after Bolton revelations on Trump

Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-emergency-order-to-block-release-of-john-boltons-book-306708">Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book</a>

The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.&nbsp;

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times. Also read | Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June. Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said. Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.

China has no intention to interfere in US election

The Trump administration on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent publication of former national security advisor John Bolton's book, which is expected to provide a damning insider portrait of the White House.

The Trump administration on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent publication of former national security advisor John Bolton's book, which is expected to provide a damning insider portrait of the White House. The Department of Justice alleged in its suit, filed in federal court in Washington, that publication of the book risks "compromising national security" through revelation of classified information that Bolton had access to during his turbulent 17-month stint in the White House, according to news agency AFP. . The suit says Bolton failed to have the text vetted, meaning his book would be in "clear breach of agreements he signed as a condition of his employment and as a condition of gaining access to highly classified information." Bolton's "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," is set to be published on June 23. The publisher, Simon and Schuster, said in a news release on Friday the book provides an insider account of Trump's "inconsistent, scattershot decision-making process." The book details Trump's dealings with China, Russia, Ukraine, North Korea, Iran, Britain, France and Germany, the publisher said. "This is the book Donald Trump doesn’t want you to read," Simon and Schuster said. Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said the effort to block the book's publication was doomed to fail. "As usual, the government's threats have nothing to do with safeguarding national security, and everything to do with avoiding scandal and embarrassment," Wizner said. Trump said the problem of publishing classified information including conversations with the president "becomes even worse if he lies about the conversation, which I understand he might have in some cases." He said he had not read the book. "So we'll see what happens. They're in court, or they'll soon be in court," Trump said.

Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, raised concern on Monday about his unpublished book being "suppressed" by the White House and suggested he should be able to respond to the president's tweets about him.

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, raised concern on Monday about his unpublished book being "suppressed" by the White House and suggested he should be able to respond to the president's tweets about him. “I hope, ultimately, I can get the book published,” Bolton told a Duke University event in North Carolina during his first public remarks since Trump's acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial. “I hope it’s not suppressed.” Asked about the president's criticism of him on Twitter, Bolton said: “He (Trump) tweets, but I can’t talk about it. How fair is that?” For a guy who couldn’t get approved for the Ambassador to the U.N. years ago, couldn’t get approved for anything since, “begged” me for a non Senate approved job, which I gave him despite many saying “Don’t do it, sir,” takes the job, mistakenly says “Libyan Model” on T.V., and.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2020 × ....many more mistakes of judgement, gets fired because frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now, and goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2020 × Bolton, 71, left his post in September after disagreements with the president. Trump said he fired him. Bolton said he quit. Also Read: Trump, White House seek to quash Bolton testimony at Senate trial Media outlets reported in October that Bolton, a leading foreign policy hawk, was planning to write a book about his time in the Trump administration. Bolton allegedly described in his manuscript how Trump wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden — an allegation that fueled Trump's impeachment. On December 18, the Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstructing Congress relating to his actions in Ukraine. Watch: White House blocks Bolton's book, Contains classified information Trump denied wrongdoing and denounced the impeachment process as a sham. The Republican-led Senate acquitted Trump largely along party lines on February 5 in only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history. Bolton had refused to cooperate with the House impeachment investigation but said on January 6 he would be willing to testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed to do so. Democrats sought his testimony at the trial, but the chamber voted not to call witnesses. The White House informed Bolton in January that his book manuscript appeared to contain “significant amounts of classified information” and could not be published in its current form. Bolton said during Monday's event that the White House was still doing a pre-publication review of his manuscript.

Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House

Former national security adviser John Bolton wrote in a draft of his forthcoming book that Donald Trump told him in August that he wanted to freeze aid to Ukraine until the country aided investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. The Republicans have denied wrongdoing in his dealings with Ukraine. On January 27, Trump denied telling Bolton anything about his decision to hold up aid to Kyiv and said he hadn’t seen the manuscript of the coming book.

White House could block Bolton testimony

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-not-lift-sanctions-to-negotiate-with-iran-donald-trump-276694">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment continues in the Senate, his former national security adviser <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-had-ukraine-aid-withheld-reveals-boltons-new-book-276814">John Bolton</a> has confirmed in his new book that Trump&nbsp;had withheld military aid to Ukraine to force the country into probing his rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-lawyers-say-voters-should-decide-trumps-fate-276578">Joe Biden</a> and his son <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-accuse-trump-at-impeachment-trial-of-corrupt-scheme-to-pressure-ukraine-276105">Hunter </a>Biden.

According to an unpublished manuscript of Bolton's book accessed by the New York Times, Trump called for a month-long hold on a three-hundred-and-ninety-one million dollars aid to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-zelensky-rejects-pms-resignation-after-leaked-recording-274964">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;which is embroiled in a conflict with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia</a>.

Trump allegedly wanted the Ukrainian government to open investigations into the Bidens.

Watch:&nbsp;Trump had Ukraine aid withheld, Reveals Bolton's new book

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-had-ukraine-aid-withheld-reveals-boltons-new-book-276814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hunter Biden had served on the board of a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was the&nbsp;US vice-president under ex-president Obama.

The leaked manuscript comes at a time when Democrats are criticising Bolton for refusing to voluntarily testify in the Senate.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-lawyers-say-voters-should-decide-trumps-fate-276578">White House lawyers say voters should decide Trump's fate</a>

The former national security adviser is among the most sought after and high profile witnesses in the Trump trial.

While Bolton himself refused to testify, other national security council members have confirmed that he was concerned with the Ukraine scandal.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-caught-saying-get-rid-of-ukraine-ambassador-on-tape-report-276592">Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: report</a>

Bolton has said that he will testify in Senate only if he is subpoenaed.

Meanwhile, Trump has rejected Bolton's admission saying that his former aide is spreading lies to "sell"&nbsp;his book.

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I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination. If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book. With that being said, the...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1221663763138588672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The former security adviser's admission comes a day after video from 2018 showed Trump interacting with his donors about Ukraine.

The US president was heard telling Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman&nbsp;that he wanted the American envoy to the Ukraine Mary Yovanovich fired.

John Bolton had served as US national security adviser for over a year and was among highest-ranking officials to express concerns over Ukraine.

His testimony will likely be damning for Trump as he will be his closest aide to testify if he appears before the Senate.

As Donald Trump's impeachment continues in the Senate, his former national security adviser John Bolton has confirmed in his new book that Trump had withheld military aid to Ukraine to force the country into probing his rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.

As Donald Trump's impeachment continues in the Senate, his former national security adviser John Bolton has confirmed in his new book that Trump had withheld military aid to Ukraine to force the country into probing his rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. According to an unpublished manuscript of Bolton's book accessed by the New York Times, Trump called for a month-long hold on a three-hundred-and-ninety-one million dollars aid to Ukraine which is embroiled in a conflict with Russia. Trump allegedly wanted the Ukrainian government to open investigations into the Bidens. Watch: Trump had Ukraine aid withheld, Reveals Bolton's new book Hunter Biden had served on the board of a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was the US vice-president under ex-president Obama. The leaked manuscript comes at a time when Democrats are criticising Bolton for refusing to voluntarily testify in the Senate. Also read: White House lawyers say voters should decide Trump's fate The former national security adviser is among the most sought after and high profile witnesses in the Trump trial. While Bolton himself refused to testify, other national security council members have confirmed that he was concerned with the Ukraine scandal. Also read: Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: report Bolton has said that he will testify in Senate only if he is subpoenaed. Meanwhile, Trump has rejected Bolton's admission saying that his former aide is spreading lies to "sell" his book. I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination. If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book. With that being said, the... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 27, 2020 × The former security adviser's admission comes a day after video from 2018 showed Trump interacting with his donors about Ukraine. The US president was heard telling Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman that he wanted the American envoy to the Ukraine Mary Yovanovich fired. John Bolton had served as US national security adviser for over a year and was among highest-ranking officials to express concerns over Ukraine. His testimony will likely be damning for Trump as he will be his closest aide to testify if he appears before the Senate.

Trump withheld aid to Ukraine, reveals Bolton's new book

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun.

"We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said.

No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment&nbsp;one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate.

Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules.

"They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week."

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating.

McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bill-clinton-to-george-w-bush-us-presidents-who-toured-dmz-between-north-and-south-korea-510">Bill Clinton</a> faced his impeachment trial.

Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses.

"All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said.

"We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify.

They include Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-human-defect-221893">John Bolton</a>, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed.

Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine.

Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses.

"Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?"

Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may.

"Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called. Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun. "We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said. No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules. "They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week." The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating. McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president Bill Clinton faced his impeachment trial. Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses. "All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said. "We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify. They include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed. Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine. Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses. "Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?" Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

US Senate leader ready to pass impeachment trial rules without Democrats

Former US national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton in a statement said that if the US Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony in President impeachment proceedings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-all-high-crimes-and-misdemeanors-can-trump-be-impeached-for-266623">In Pics: What all 'high crimes and misdemeanors' can Trump be impeached for?</a>

"I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify," Bolton said in a prepared statement posted on Twitter.

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I have posted a brief statement regarding testimony on the Ukraine impeachment matter before the Senate at: <a href="https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp">https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp</a>
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1214227975262146561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolton was fired as NSA by President Trump last September. The White House had earlier claimed "executive privilege" to prevent Mick Mulvaney, Bolton, Michael Duffey and Robert Blair from testifying before the House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Also Read: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed</a>

"The House has concluded its Constitutional responsibility by adopting Articles of Impeachment related to the Ukraine matter," Bolton said, adding, "it now falls to the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to try impeachments, and it does not appear possible that a final judicial resolution of the still-unanswered Constitutional questions can be obtained before the Senate acts."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had earlier sought testimony from John Bolton in the impeachment trial. Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff had also called Bolton to testify earlier.

However, the former US NSA had refused to testify even as his lawyer said he could provide new insights into the case.

"Bolton is an important witness to misconduct involving Ukraine that he called a 'drug deal," Schiff said. "Bolton refused to testify in the House, following Trump's orders," he said.

"Now he is willing to come forward," he said. "The Senate must allow testimony from him, Mulvaney and others. The cover-up must end," Schiff added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is yet to allow the charges against Trump to be submitted to the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

Trump has dimissed the impeachment trial asserting that he has done nothing wrong calling it "partisan".

Former US national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton in a statement said that if the US Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony in President impeachment proceedings.

Former US national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton in a statement said that if the US Senate issues a subpoena for his testimony in President impeachment proceedings. In Pics: What all 'high crimes and misdemeanors' can Trump be impeached for? "I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify," Bolton said in a prepared statement posted on Twitter. I have posted a brief statement regarding testimony on the Ukraine impeachment matter before the Senate at: https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 6, 2020 × Bolton was fired as NSA by President Trump last September. The White House had earlier claimed "executive privilege" to prevent Mick Mulvaney, Bolton, Michael Duffey and Robert Blair from testifying before the House. Also Read: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed "The House has concluded its Constitutional responsibility by adopting Articles of Impeachment related to the Ukraine matter," Bolton said, adding, "it now falls to the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to try impeachments, and it does not appear possible that a final judicial resolution of the still-unanswered Constitutional questions can be obtained before the Senate acts." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had earlier sought testimony from John Bolton in the impeachment trial. Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff had also called Bolton to testify earlier. However, the former US NSA had refused to testify even as his lawyer said he could provide new insights into the case. "Bolton is an important witness to misconduct involving Ukraine that he called a 'drug deal," Schiff said. "Bolton refused to testify in the House, following Trump's orders," he said. "Now he is willing to come forward," he said. "The Senate must allow testimony from him, Mulvaney and others. The cover-up must end," Schiff added. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is yet to allow the charges against Trump to be submitted to the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Trump has dimissed the impeachment trial asserting that he has done nothing wrong calling it "partisan".

I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial: John Bolton

The senior US Senate Democrat on Sunday demanded testimony from four current and former White House aides in a trial expected early next year on whether to remove President Donald Trump from office, reported news agency Reuters.

The senior US Senate Democrat on Sunday demanded testimony from four current and former White House aides in a trial expected early next year on whether to remove President Donald Trump from office, reported news agency Reuters. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer sought testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton, White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Mulvaney aide Robert Blair and budget official Michael Duffey. Schumer made his appeal in a letter to Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said last week he was coordinating with the White House. Watch: Democrats unveil formal charges × Democrats in the House of Representatives, where they have a majority, also sought testimony from the four men in their inquiry into whether to impeach Trump over his effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate his Democratic political rival Joe Biden. Mulvaney, Blair and Duffey all defied subpoenas from a House committee and Bolton was not subpoenaed. Trump is expected this week to become the third US president to be impeached when the House votes on charges that he abused his power by asking Ukraine to investigate Biden, a leading contender to oppose him in next year's US presidential election, and obstructed Congress' investigation of the matter. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called impeachment "a hoax." (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump impeachment: Democrats seek testimony from Bolton and other Trump aides 

US President Donald Trump has asked Japan to quadruple annual payments for US forces stationed there to around $8 billion, Foreign Policy reported part of Washington's efforts to press its allies to increase their defence spending.

The current agreement that covers the 54,000 US troops stationed in Japan expires in March 2021.

The demand was made to Japanese officials during a trip to the region in July by John Bolton, at that time Trump's national security adviser, and Matt Pottinger, who was then the Asia director for the National Security Council, the US global affairs magazine said, citing unidentified former US officials.

A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said the report was incorrect and no US-Japan negotiations on a new agreement have taken place.

According to Kyodo news agency, Japanese officials told Bolton the increase is "unrealistic", saying Japan already pays a greater share of stationing costs than other allies.

A US State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement: "The President has made clear that allies and partners should contribute more to their shared defence."

Negotiations to renew the agreement will start in the first half of next year, the spokesman said, adding that the US commitment to Japan's defence was "unwavering".

Japan hosts the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, including the only permanently forward-deployed carrier strike group, as well as the Third Marine Expeditionary Force.

In addition to defending Japan, those units use the archipelago as a base for operations in the wider Asia-Pacific region where US military power acts as a counterbalance to China's growing influence.

Trump has also insisted Seoul shoulder more of the cost of the US military presence in South Korea, where it serves as deterrence against North Korea, and has floated the idea of pulling US troops from the peninsula.

US President Donald Trump has asked Japan to quadruple annual payments for US forces stationed there to around $8 billion, Foreign Policy reported part of Washington's efforts to press its allies to increase their defence spending.

US President Donald Trump has asked Japan to quadruple annual payments for US forces stationed there to around $8 billion, Foreign Policy reported part of Washington's efforts to press its allies to increase their defence spending. The current agreement that covers the 54,000 US troops stationed in Japan expires in March 2021. The demand was made to Japanese officials during a trip to the region in July by John Bolton, at that time Trump's national security adviser, and Matt Pottinger, who was then the Asia director for the National Security Council, the US global affairs magazine said, citing unidentified former US officials. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said the report was incorrect and no US-Japan negotiations on a new agreement have taken place. According to Kyodo news agency, Japanese officials told Bolton the increase is "unrealistic", saying Japan already pays a greater share of stationing costs than other allies. A US State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement: "The President has made clear that allies and partners should contribute more to their shared defence." Negotiations to renew the agreement will start in the first half of next year, the spokesman said, adding that the US commitment to Japan's defence was "unwavering". Japan hosts the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, including the only permanently forward-deployed carrier strike group, as well as the Third Marine Expeditionary Force. In addition to defending Japan, those units use the archipelago as a base for operations in the wider Asia-Pacific region where US military power acts as a counterbalance to China's growing influence. Trump has also insisted Seoul shoulder more of the cost of the US military presence in South Korea, where it serves as deterrence against North Korea, and has floated the idea of pulling US troops from the peninsula.

Trump asks Japan to hike payments for US troops to $8 billion: Foreign Policy

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday named his point man for hostage situations, Robert O'Brien, to replace his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">hawkish national security advisor</a> sacked just as relations with Iran are entering a new crisis point.

"I have worked long &amp; hard with Robert. He will do a great job!" Trump tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am pleased to announce that I will name Robert C. O’Brien, currently serving as the very successful Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department, as our new National Security Advisor. I have worked long &amp; hard with Robert. He will do a great job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1174312984522309633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last week, Trump abruptly fired John Bolton, a vigorous proponent of using US military force abroad and one of the main hawks in the administration on Iran.

O'Brien has until now served as Trump's envoy for situations involving US hostages abroad.

He comes into the new job with backing from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior Republicans in Congress.

Bolton, by contrast, was a highly controversial figure in Washington. His instincts for an aggressive, interventionist foreign policy were at odds with Trump's more isolationist stance.

Bolton "wasn't getting along with people in the administration who I consider very important" and "wasn't in line with what we were doing," Bolton said.

O'Brien will become the fourth national security advisor in Trump's tumultuous first term.

He arrives just as Trump is coming under pressure from some in Washington to go to war with Iran in retaliation for an attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia last weekend that has been blamed on Tehran.

Moments before naming O'Brien as his new advisor, Trump announced he was ordering "substantially" increased sanctions against Iran, which is already buckling under US economic pressure.

Hard edge

A longtime lawyer and foreign policy advisor to Republicans, O'Brien has become one of Trump's favourites for his work on behalf of Americans held prisoner in far-flung places including North Korea and Turkey.

"I think he's fantastic," Trump said on Tuesday.

While such cases are termed "hostages" by Trump, this is far from always true. In the most unusual episode, O'Brien was dispatched to US ally Sweden to attend the trial of US rapper ASAP Rocky, who was accused of assault.

Although Bolton was seen as the ultimate representative of the neo-con wing in the Republican party, cheering for war in Iraq and pushing for regime change in Iran, O'Brien will bring his own hard edge to foreign policy.

In his 2016 book "While America Slept," O'Brien criticized what he called then outgoing president Barack Obama's attempt to present a more collaborative, dovish United States.

This meant "autocrats, tyrants, and terrorists were emboldened," he argued.

"In the face of rising challenges around the world, it is time to return to a national security policy based on 'peace through strength,'" he wrote.&nbsp;

"A strong America will be a nation that our allies will trust and our adversaries will not dare test."

O'Brien will find a stacked in-tray waiting for him at the White House, with Iran at the top of the pile.

While there are loud voices in Washington calling for the bombing of Iran following the Saudi oil facility strikes, Trump's instinct so far has been to resist expanding US foreign military entanglements.

Another vexing item for Trump is Afghanistan, where he has repeatedly said he wants to wind down the two-decade US military presence.

Peace talks with the Taliban and a surprise planned meeting between the insurgents and Trump himself, something apparently opposed by Bolton, were scrapped earlier this month.

Even bigger, if not such immediately combustible foreign policy headaches include the huge trade war with China and fears of a new arms race with Russia.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday named his point man for hostage situations, Robert O'Brien, to replace his hawkish national security advisor sacked just as relations with Iran are entering a new crisis point.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday named his point man for hostage situations, Robert O'Brien, to replace his hawkish national security advisor sacked just as relations with Iran are entering a new crisis point. "I have worked long & hard with Robert. He will do a great job!" Trump tweeted. I am pleased to announce that I will name Robert C. O’Brien, currently serving as the very successful Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department, as our new National Security Advisor. I have worked long & hard with Robert. He will do a great job! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2019 × Last week, Trump abruptly fired John Bolton, a vigorous proponent of using US military force abroad and one of the main hawks in the administration on Iran. O'Brien has until now served as Trump's envoy for situations involving US hostages abroad. He comes into the new job with backing from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior Republicans in Congress. Bolton, by contrast, was a highly controversial figure in Washington. His instincts for an aggressive, interventionist foreign policy were at odds with Trump's more isolationist stance. Bolton "wasn't getting along with people in the administration who I consider very important" and "wasn't in line with what we were doing," Bolton said. O'Brien will become the fourth national security advisor in Trump's tumultuous first term. He arrives just as Trump is coming under pressure from some in Washington to go to war with Iran in retaliation for an attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia last weekend that has been blamed on Tehran. Moments before naming O'Brien as his new advisor, Trump announced he was ordering "substantially" increased sanctions against Iran, which is already buckling under US economic pressure. Hard edge A longtime lawyer and foreign policy advisor to Republicans, O'Brien has become one of Trump's favourites for his work on behalf of Americans held prisoner in far-flung places including North Korea and Turkey. "I think he's fantastic," Trump said on Tuesday. While such cases are termed "hostages" by Trump, this is far from always true. In the most unusual episode, O'Brien was dispatched to US ally Sweden to attend the trial of US rapper ASAP Rocky, who was accused of assault. Although Bolton was seen as the ultimate representative of the neo-con wing in the Republican party, cheering for war in Iraq and pushing for regime change in Iran, O'Brien will bring his own hard edge to foreign policy. In his 2016 book "While America Slept," O'Brien criticized what he called then outgoing president Barack Obama's attempt to present a more collaborative, dovish United States. This meant "autocrats, tyrants, and terrorists were emboldened," he argued. "In the face of rising challenges around the world, it is time to return to a national security policy based on 'peace through strength,'" he wrote. "A strong America will be a nation that our allies will trust and our adversaries will not dare test." O'Brien will find a stacked in-tray waiting for him at the White House, with Iran at the top of the pile. While there are loud voices in Washington calling for the bombing of Iran following the Saudi oil facility strikes, Trump's instinct so far has been to resist expanding US foreign military entanglements. Another vexing item for Trump is Afghanistan, where he has repeatedly said he wants to wind down the two-decade US military presence. Peace talks with the Taliban and a surprise planned meeting between the insurgents and Trump himself, something apparently opposed by Bolton, were scrapped earlier this month. Even bigger, if not such immediately combustible foreign policy headaches include the huge trade war with China and fears of a new arms race with Russia.

Robert C O'Brien to be new US National Security Advisor: Trump

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out asking Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to take on a dual role as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-boltons-departure-will-not-push-tehran-to-talks-with-us-249008">national security adviser</a> and said he has about 15 candidates for the post last held by John Bolton.

There had been some discussion among White House officials about giving Pompeo the national security job while he remained secretary of state, but Trump told reporters he did not plan to take that step.

Trump said he spoke to Pompeo about the idea and the secretary of state "liked the idea of having somebody in there with him."

Trump said he now has 15 candidates for the job, a day after saying he had a short list of five. He said he would probably have a decision on who gets the post next week.

"Everybody wants it very badly, as you can imagine," he said. "A lot of people want the job. It's a great job."

Trump's list of people being considered for the job is largely made up of reliable conservatives with solid ties to key Trump administration stalwarts, according to several sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Mike Pence's national security adviser, retired Army General Keith Kellogg, is part of a group that also includes the State Department's Iran envoy, Brian Hook, former deputy White House national security adviser Rick Waddell, and US&nbsp;ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, among others, the sources said.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out asking Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to take on a dual role as national security adviser and said he has about 15 candidates for the post last held by John Bolton.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out asking Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to take on a dual role as national security adviser and said he has about 15 candidates for the post last held by John Bolton. There had been some discussion among White House officials about giving Pompeo the national security job while he remained secretary of state, but Trump told reporters he did not plan to take that step. Trump said he spoke to Pompeo about the idea and the secretary of state "liked the idea of having somebody in there with him." Trump said he now has 15 candidates for the job, a day after saying he had a short list of five. He said he would probably have a decision on who gets the post next week. "Everybody wants it very badly, as you can imagine," he said. "A lot of people want the job. It's a great job." Trump's list of people being considered for the job is largely made up of reliable conservatives with solid ties to key Trump administration stalwarts, according to several sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. Mike Pence's national security adviser, retired Army General Keith Kellogg, is part of a group that also includes the State Department's Iran envoy, Brian Hook, former deputy White House national security adviser Rick Waddell, and US ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, among others, the sources said.

Trump will not pick Pompeo as national security adviser, has 15 candidates

America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton?

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