Maggie Haberman, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, and Michael S. Schmidt, a national security expert, dissect John Bolton's explosive revelations against President Trump. They delve into the implications of Bolton's claims linking Trump to a quid pro quo in Ukraine, which could shift the impeachment trial's trajectory. The discussion uncovers Bolton's hesitance to testify and the political dynamics at play, revealing how his forthcoming book may alter Senate Republicans' strategies for acquittal.
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Bolton's Departure and Concerns
John Bolton left the White House in September, sparking questions about his knowledge of the whistleblower complaint.
Bolton's concerns about Giuliani and a "drug deal" involving Ukraine were revealed through other testimonies.
insights INSIGHT
Bolton as a Tantalizing Witness
Bolton became a key figure due to his potential knowledge and his troubled relationship with Trump.
The House wanted Bolton to testify, but they didn't subpoena him to avoid a legal battle.
insights INSIGHT
Impeachment Without Bolton
The House sent articles of impeachment without Bolton's testimony.
They lacked a firsthand account directly linking Trump to the withheld aid.
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In this memoir, John Bolton provides a detailed and critical account of his time as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump. Bolton describes a presidency marked by chaos, where Trump's decisions were largely driven by reelection calculations, often at the expense of national security and international relations. The book covers various foreign policy issues, including dealings with North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran, as well as domestic conflicts and the tumultuous environment within the Trump Administration. Bolton also discusses the impeachment proceedings and his own experiences with Trump's erratic behavior and lack of impulse control.
A firsthand account by John R. Bolton, the former national security adviser, directly linked President Trump to a quid pro quo in the Ukraine affair, undercutting a central plank of the defense’s argument. What could that mean for the final phase of the impeachment trial? Guests: Maggie Haberman, who covers the White House and Michael S. Schmidt, who covers national security and federal investigations for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.
Background reading:
A Times investigation revealed that Mr. Bolton privately expressed concern to the attorney general last year that the president was effectively granting personal favors to autocratic leaders around the world.
Republican senators had been ready to swiftly acquit President Trump. But Mr. Bolton’s revelations in the manuscript of his new book could change the calculus.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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