The former chief of staff for White House national security adviser John Bolton says the press is trying to destroy his ex-boss with a “false narrative” from anonymous sources.
Stories have depicted the hawkish former United Nations ambassador as trying to push President Trump into a war with Iran.
The New York Times reported the president is considering sending over 100,000 troops too the Middle East. The White House responded by saying there are no such plans.
To counter, Fred Fleitz released a statement.
“The left is going after Ambassador John Bolton right now by pushing the false narrative that he is trying to push President Trump into a war with Iran,” said Mr. Fleitz, a former Bolton aide who runs the Center for Security Policy. “This is false. Bolton never acts without the president’s full support. This is an effort to undermine President Trump’s foreign policy by destroying his most valuable national security adviser. The media is happy to only quote anonymous sources and former Obama officials to promote this false narrative.”
Recent headlines: CNN: “Trump’s irritation with top aides grows over Iran strategy.” Washington Post: “John Bolton and Trump are ’in a different place’ on Iran as tensions rise.” Fox News’ Tucker Carlson: ” Bolton would love to have a war with Iran.”
The U.S. is adding new fire power to the region, including a carrier strike group, to respond to Iran’s growing belligerence which includes sabotaging oil tankers. Washington has received intelligence reports that Iran’s collection of Shiite militia in Iraq plan to attack American troops and facilities.
Iran in the past has orchestrated Iraqi Shiite groups to conduct bombing attacks on U.S. troops, killing over 600 Americans, the Pentagon has said
Mr. Fleitz is now in South Korea on a fact-finding trip sponsored by The Washington Times foundation.
• Rowan Scarborough can be reached at rscarborough@washingtontimes.com.
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