John Bolton – is a lawyer, diplomat and Republican supporter of a hard line in foreign policy. He was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under George W. Bush and national security adviser during Donald Trump's first term.
Trump initially thought he could do whatever he wanted in his second term. The reality turned out to be completely different. Crises are piling up before the American president.
His former adviser states that he has lost agency – he even calls it a kind of “twilight of Trump”. Failures in the country and around the world are accumulating. This is clearly seen in two recent examples.
Bolton describes the war with Iran as a fiasco – even though he himself, as a hard-line foreign policy advocate, has been advocating the overthrow of the regime in Tehran for decades.
— I'm not sure Trump ever had a clear vision of what his goal was, Bolton says in an interview with Bild. The president failed to explain the meaning of the war to Americans, ignored Congress, failed to consult with allies in the Persian Gulf or in Europe — and did not even seek help from the Iranian opposition.
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Bolton does not want to call the conflict with Iran after three months a “swamp” – that is, a war in which the Americans will be stuck for a long time. However, he sharply criticizes Trump's stubborn adherence to the ceasefire.
According to the expert, thanks to this Tehran can play for time. According to Bolton, Trump is not deciding on military measures to open the Strait of Hormuz for one fundamental reason. Iran can “turn on and off” this important oil transportation artery “like a light switch.”
Bolton attacks his former boss over what he sees as a colossal failure in the war with Iran: “People now see what I've been saying for some time. Trump is unfit to be president!” According to the expert, the American president's policy is becoming “transparent to all his opponents.”
This was also visible during the visit to China. This is the second example Bolton refers to in justifying the “twilight of Trump.” Trump suddenly made US military aid to threatened Taiwan a subject of negotiations with Xi Jinping.
Washington in late 2025 approved the second batch of arms sales to Taiwan since President Donald Trump returned to power. The value of this package is USD 11.1 billion. (over PLN 40 billion). This agreement has not been implemented so far.
After last week's visit to Beijing, Trump said that continuing its deliveries “depends on China” and is a “very good advantage in negotiations.” Bolton is outraged by this fact.
— What did Trump get for this? Nothing. The president does not understand the meaning and importance of the things he is ready to give up, says the expert.
Bolton criticizes Germany: “Mistake on war with Iran”
Bolton advises Europe to tactically wait out the current turmoil caused by Trump's policies. “You should stay low and grit your teeth,” says the expert. In his opinion, each day without a new problem with Trump is a win for Europe.
The EU should send politicians who get along well with Trump to negotiations with the Americans – for example, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, or the head of NATO, Mark Rutte.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz initially had a good relationship with the Oval Office. However, he made an unnecessary mess on the issue of war with Iran.
— Merz made the mistake of criticizing the attack on Iran and being one of the first to say: “It's none of our business!” – says the expert. If Europeans thought more strategically, they would realize, as Bolton believes, “whether they like it or not, that this [wojna z Iranem] “It's also their business.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
