NPR

Bolton: Trump Administration Could Be Making 'Big Mistake' On North Korea

In an exclusive interview with NPR, former Ambassador John Bolton criticized his ex-boss' strategy, saying "there's no serious chance" North Korea will voluntarily give up its nuclear weapons program.
John Bolton after a meeting in Minsk, Belarus, in late August, nearly two weeks before his ouster as President Trump's national security adviser.

John Bolton is not particularly concerned about receiving a present from North Korea this holiday season.

In an exclusive interview with NPR, the former U.S. ambassador dismissed the country's recent threat that it could deliver a "Christmas gift" if the U.S. does not meet an end-of-year deadline to offer better terms in nuclear negotiations. Bolton, who has avoided interviews since President Trump fired him as national security adviser in September, instead suggested that the Trump administration take the threat with a "grain of salt."

"I think part of this may be bluff on their part. They think the president's desperate for a deal, and if they put an artificial time constraint on it, they may think they're going to

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
With 'Bleisure' And Fewer Workers, The American Hotel Is In Recovery
A new type of traveler is part of the post-pandemic reset at U.S. hotels, along with fewer daily cleanings and pancake-slinging machines.
NPR5 min readWorld
Trapped In Rafah, U.S. Medical Volunteers Say They Can't Save Lives And Can't Evacuate
At the European Hospital in Rafah, there are shortages of pain medication, antibiotics, even bandages, American volunteers say they are unable to save lives — and unable to evacuate to safety.
NPR1 min read
Deadline Extended: NPR Student Podcast Challenge entries are now due May 31
Entries for our sixth annual contest for middle and high school students (and our first-ever fourth grade competition) are now due Friday, May 31 at midnight E.T.

Related Books & Audiobooks