Democrats long opposed John Bolton — until they leaned on him against Trump

The Controversial Legacy of John Bolton

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has long been a contentious figure in American politics, with Democrats and Republicans alike having strong opinions about his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Most recently, Bolton made headlines when federal agents raided his home and office as part of a classified documents investigation.

Democrats, who have a history of opposing Bolton due to his hawkish views and alleged manipulation of intelligence, found themselves in a peculiar position when Bolton broke with President Trump. Suddenly, they were citing him as a key witness and relying on his public comments to bolster their case against the former president.

Battles over Bolton’s Bush-era role

Back in 2005, Democrats sought to block Bolton’s nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush. Accusations of untruthfulness and manipulation of intelligence were thrown at Bolton, with Democrats raising concerns about his role in pushing the U.S. into war.

Fast forward to Bolton’s time as national security adviser under Trump, and the criticism only intensified. Democrats were quick to condemn him for his past support of the Iraq War and his aggressive stance towards Iran and North Korea.

Renewed opposition during the Trump administration

Despite their initial reservations, Democrats found themselves turning to Bolton for insights during Trump’s impeachment trial over Ukraine. Bolton’s allegations about Trump withholding military aid from Ukraine were seen as potentially pivotal in the trial.

However, Bolton ultimately declined to testify, sparking frustration among Democrats who accused him of prioritizing his book over providing critical testimony under oath.

Role in today’s political debates

Since leaving the Trump administration, Bolton has remained a polarizing figure in American politics. Democrats, who once opposed him vehemently, now find themselves occasionally aligning with his criticisms of Trump and the Republican party.

The recent raid on Bolton’s home serves as a reminder of his complicated legacy – a figure Democrats have long opposed but have also relied on for crucial insights during key political moments.