latest

Hong Kong Is in Danger

Beijing’s new national security law for the territory portends years of unrest—and the end of its status as a financial hub.

China Brief |

James Palmer

In Hong Kong, Xi Plays a Dangerous Game of Chicken

With its new security law, China risks massive economic and political consequences. Xi’s lack of concern should worry democratic nations everywhere.

Argument |

Doug Bandow

U.S. Effort to Depart WTO Gathers Momentum

Both political parties are demonizing the world trade body, but many experts warn that such a move could seriously set back U.S. power and prestige.

Report |

Keith Johnson

No, China Has Not Bought Central and Eastern Europe

While some Central and Eastern European governments have taken pro-Beijing positions, their considerations are far more domestic than international.

Argument |

David Hutt, Richard Q. Turcsányi

Bolton Only Made It 520 Days as National Security Advisor

This chart shows how that compares to the last 30 years of U.S. presidential security aides.

By C.K. Hickey

| September 10, 2019, 6:36 PM

U.S. President Donald Trump’s former national security advisors Michael Flynn, H.R. McMaster, and John Bolton.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that he had asked John Bolton to resign as national security advisor.

Since the administration of President George H.W. Bush, most national security advisor appointees have served for an entire presidential term—or at least for several years. But Bolton is the fourth person to hold the post during Trump’s two and a half years in office. (Michael Flynn and H.R. McMaster were appointed before him, and Keith Kellogg briefly served as an acting national security advisor between them.)

As seen in the chart below, Bolton’s 520 days in office—the longest of any of Trump’s national security advisors—still fall well short of James Jones, who was appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama and who held the role for the fewest number of days prior to Trump over the past three decades.

C.K. Hickey is the interactives and features designer at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @seekayhickey

View
Comments

Tags: John Bolton, National Security, Trump

Infographic

Bolton Only Made It 520 Days as National Security Advisor

This chart shows how that compares to the last 30 years of U.S. presidential security aides.