The Daily

What John Bolton Knows

Jan 28, 2020

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.

22:24

Creator website

Episode guests

Michael S. Schmidt

Maggie Haberman

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Bolton's Testimony: Insights and Intrigue

6min

Revelations and Reactions: The Impact of a New Book

2min

Quid Pro Quo and Bolton's Testimony

13min

Global Response to Coronavirus Outbreak

2min

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.