U.S. President Donald Trump replaced H.R. McMaster as national security adviser with John Bolton, whose views on global issues portends further stridency in America’s foreign policy posture.
While firing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson more than a week ago, Mr. Trump had said he was building the team that shared his views and priorities. Mr. McMaster, aided by Defence Secretary James Mattis, had prodded Mr. Trump to take decisions out of line with his political agenda, most remarkably an open-ended military commitment in Afghanistan.
The Pentagon and the national security establishment have been approving of the President on account of the massive spike in funding available to them and carte blanche in operational decisions. However, there is a running tension between the President and the establishment over the approach to Russia. Mr. McMaster’s exit came a day after news reports emerged that Mr. Trump “congratulated” Russian President Vladimir Putin, ignoring the notes before him in which advisers had written in all capitals, ‘DO NOT CONGRATULATE.’ President Barack Obama had congratulated Mr. Putin in 2012, when he was last elected.
It has been apparent for weeks now that Mr. McMaster could be on his way out, but the announcement on Thursday came as a surprise to many, including Mr. Bolton. “I didn’t really expect an announcement this afternoon, but it’s obviously a great honor…I’m still getting used to it,” ” he told Fox News, where he has been a commentator.
With Gary Cohn announcing his exit as the chief economic adviser to the President on March 6, the economic agenda of Mr. Trump is being guided by Peter Navarro, Director of the National Trade Council. Mr. Navarro, known for his strident positions on China trade championed the punitive measures directed by Mr. Trump on Thursday, hours before the announcement on Mr. McMaster’s exit.
A serving general, Mr. McMaster will leave the U.S military also. “After thirty-four years of service to our nation, I am requesting retirement from the U.S. Army effective this summer after which I will leave public service…I am especially proud to have served alongside the men and women of the National Security Council Staff..” he said in a statement.
“He has won many battles and his bravery and toughness are legendary. General McMaster’s leadership of the National Security Council staff has helped my administration accomplish great things to bolster America’s national security. He helped develop our America First National Security Strategy, revitalize our alliances in the Middle East, smash ISIS, bring North Korea to the table, and strengthen our nation’s prosperity. This work and those achievements will ensure that America builds on its economic and military advantages,” Mr. Trump said in a statement.
