Zerohedge
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President Trump Tuesday afternoon revealed to reporters his short list of candidates to replace former national security adviser John Bolton. He presented his “top 5 candidates” which had been whittled down from 15 he was previously reported to be considering.
Per Axios the finalists are:
- Top hostage negotiator Robert O’Brien
- Former deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell
- Department of Energy Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Lisa Gordon-Hagerty
- Bolton’s former chief of staff Fred Fleitz
- Vice President Mike Pence’s national security adviser Keith Kellogg.
Obviously the choice comes at a very sensitive point, given this week’s Saudi Aramco attacks and a potential crisis for global oil markets, and after a summer of escalating tensions with Iran which has put Washington and Tehran on a path to war.
There’s also a potential changing of the guard in Israel, with a major election unfolding on Tuesday which could make or break Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his hawkish Likud Party.
The US has further seen relations with NATO member Turkey at a historic low point, as well as deeply uncertain and worsening future relations with Moscow, which remains a big question mark. And further there’s the Afghan quagmire, now almost at two decades, which the US can’t seem to get out of.
Justin Amash on Twitter: “John Bolton never should have been hired. I hope the president’s next national security adviser will focus on securing peace, not expanding war. / Twitter”
John Bolton never should have been hired. I hope the president’s next national security adviser will focus on securing peace, not expanding war.
A CNN infographic published last week included most of the names Trump on Tuesday said made up his short-list; however, Robert O’Brien and Lisa Gordon-Hagerty appear unexpected mentions as part of Trump’s “top 5”.
Following Bolton’s departure, the new national security adviser will be Trump’s 4th in less than 3 years.
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Do all 5 choices have dual citizenship? Let’s hope so.
Trumps best possible move would be to ask Tulsi Gabbard. She may have burned her bridge, but if Trump can get over it, her appointment would probably help him significantly in winning the election.