President Trump on Tuesday explained why he revoked the security clearance of former national security adviser John Bolton.
“I think there was plenty of time. We take the job, you take the job, you want to do the job, but we're not going to guarantee people security for the rest of their lives. Why would we do that?” Do we have to?'' President Trump told reporters when asked about the move.
“I thought he was a very stupid person, but I took advantage of him because every time you see me standing behind and meeting with John Bolton, people think he's a warmonger. “I thought they might attack me,” he added.
President Trump's comments about his former national security adviser come after the president revoked security clearances for a number of former officials in an executive order on Monday.
Bolton has been a vocal critic of the president in recent years, saying in August: [Trump’s] Keep in mind, the truth is what he wants. ”
Bolton also told The Hill on Tuesday that Secret Service protection for him had been suspended by President Trump.
“I am disappointed, but not surprised, by President Trump's decision to end the protections previously provided by the U.S. Secret Service,” Bolton said in an emailed statement to The Hill. said.
“Despite my criticism of President Biden's national security policies, he made the decision to extend that protection to me in 2021,” he added.
The Hill has reached out to Bolton's contact information.
Alex Gangitano contributed to this report.
