Bolton Criticizes Trump’s Leadership Style, Questions Intelligence and Dictatorial Tendencies

Former national security adviser John Bolton criticized Donald Trump, asserting that the former US President lacks the intelligence to be a dictator. Bolton, who served in the Trump administration from April 2018 to September 2019, made these remarks during an interview with the conservative French outlet Le Figaro. When asked about Trump’s potential dictatorial tendencies, Bolton replied emphatically, stating, “He hasn’t got the brains! He’s a property developer for God’s sake!” The interview was published on Thursday.

Earlier, Trump had claimed that he wouldn’t behave like a dictator if he were reelected to the White House, with the exception of the first day.

Trump’s recent meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at his Mar-a-Lago estate raised eyebrows, as Trump continues to align himself with dictatorial regimes that challenge democratic norms.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has praised foreign leaders of countries at odds with the United States. He has touted receiving “beautiful letters” from North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and referred to China’s Xi Jinping as a “very good person.”

Trump’s rhetoric has also included threats to withdraw from NATO and criticism of member countries for insufficient contributions to the alliance. He even suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin should have free rein over NATO members who fail to meet their financial obligations.

Responding to Trump’s statements, Bolton suggested that Trump might indeed withdraw the US from NATO if reelected. Bolton noted Trump’s tendency to revisit certain ideas persistently, suggesting that leaving NATO remains a genuine possibility.

Last week, Bolton mocked Trump for his past admiration of Kim Jong Un. He shared a 2018 video clip of Trump stating that when Kim Jong speaks, “his people sit up at attention,” and joked that Trump wants Americans to treat him similarly to how North Koreans treat Kim Jong Un.