Bolton and Trump reportedly got into a 'bitter argument' about the Taliban last night
It looks like President Trump and former National Security Adviser John Bolton had one last argument for the road.
Trump on Tuesday announced that Bolton has left the administration after he requested his resignation last night, although Bolton is disputing that, claiming he was the one to offer to resign. Both parties agree, though, that a conversation about Bolton's departure took place on Monday evening, with Bolton saying Trump told him they would "talk about it tomorrow." In his original tweet, Trump said he "disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions."
Now, CNN's Kaitlan Collins is reporting Trump and Bolton "got into a bitter argument" last night about Trump's plan to meet with Taliban leaders at Camp David over the weekend, just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. This meeting ultimately did not take place, with Trump saying he called it off after an attack in Kabul.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
NBC News previously reported that Bolton "vehemently opposed" this idea, as did Vice President Mike Pence. Pence subsequently denied this report. CNN's Jim Acosta reports a "factor in Bolton’s firing was that Trump and Pence were upset that Bolton's team had made it sound as though the VP opposed the Taliban meeting at Camp David."
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said Tuesday "there was no last straw" that led to Bolton's ouster, although this certainly sounds like one.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The slow fight for same-sex marriage in Asia
Under the Radar Thailand joins Nepal and Taiwan as the only Asian nations to legalise LGBT unions, amid repressive regimes and religious traditions
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - January 26, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - stick 'em up, dye hard, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 richly funny cartoons about American oligarchy
Artists take on playing the game, pledging allegiance, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Trump orders release of JFK, RFK, MLK Jr. files
Speed Read The president signed an executive order to release classified documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judge pauses Trump's birthright citizenship ban
Speed Read A federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's 'unconstitutional' executive order to overturn birthright citizenship
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
DOJ threatens local officials on migrant crackdown
Speed Read Federal prosecutors have been told to investigate any official who obstructs Trump's deportation efforts
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Senate learns new Hegseth abuse, drinking allegations
speed read The former sister-in-law of Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, claims he was abusive
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump pardons Silk Road founder, defends Jan. 6 acts
Speed Read President Donald Trump made good with libertarians and crypto enthusiasts in pardoning Ross Ulbricht
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump starts term with spate of executive orders
Speed Read The president is rolling back many of Joe Biden's climate and immigration policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump pardons or commutes all charged Jan. 6 rioters
Speed Read The new president pardoned roughly 1,500 criminal defendants charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published