Podcast Summary: "John Bolton on Iran and China"
The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Guest: John Bolton, Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and National Security Advisor
1. Introduction
In this episode of The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim, Yalda Hakim welcomes former U.S. Ambassador John Bolton to discuss pressing international issues, including U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, the complexities of relations with China and Russia, and the ongoing threats posed by Iran.
2. Inside the Trump White House
Yalda opens the discussion by highlighting Bolton's extensive experience, noting his role as Donald Trump's longest-serving National Security Advisor until his resignation in 2019 due to policy disagreements.
Bolton describes his tenure in the Trump White House as tumultuous:
"Working in the Trump White House was like living inside a pinball machine." [02:43]
He criticizes the lack of delegation and advanced planning, emphasizing the dysfunctional state of the National Security Council during Trump's administration.
3. Decision-Making Under Trump
Bolton elaborates on President Trump's impulsive decision-making style, contrasting it with more structured administrations.
"Decisions and strategies aren't necessarily ones that evolve over time or are thought through. They just sort of happen because President Trump sort of thinks about them in that way." [05:39]
He cites the inconsistent implementation of tariffs as an example of this erratic approach:
"He announces tariffs against Canada and Mexico and then pauses them for 30 days... He decides to put a tariff of 100% on all foreign-made movies." [06:44]
4. Impact on International Relations
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of Trump's leadership on global economics and alliances. Bolton warns that governance dictated by presidential whims undermines established institutions and international agreements.
"If you think governing by the whim of the President is a good way to govern, get ready. Because this is what we've got." [07:17]
5. U.S.-China Relations
Bolton discusses the strained relationship between the U.S. and China, highlighting the challenges posed by China's trade practices and strategic maneuvers.
"China is the worst actor in international trade today... they've got a stronger hand... They're much better at... that kind of thinking than the U.S. Government is." [09:12]
He expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of the tariffs imposed under Trump, suggesting that China is better prepared to handle these economic conflicts.
6. U.S.-Russia Relations and Ukraine
Addressing the Ukraine conflict, Bolton critiques the Trump administration's inconsistent support for Ukraine and the administration's handling of relations with Russia.
"Putin knows how to maneuver around Trump... Trump hasn't imposed new sanctions on Russia, and yet Russia continues offensive actions." [10:57]
He also reflects on the historical context, comparing Trump's actions to previous administrations:
"Both Obama and Biden presented very weak leadership in the face of Russian aggression." [12:31]
7. Iran's Threats and Personal Security
Bolton shares his personal experiences with threats from the Iranian regime, detailing assassination plots orchestrated against him and other U.S. officials.
"President Trump had the time to cancel my Secret Service protection... This sends a very bad signal to adversaries of the United States around the world." [22:55]
He emphasizes the severity of Iran's actions, stating that attacks on U.S. officials would constitute an act of war.
8. Prospects for an Iran Deal
Discussing potential diplomatic resolutions, Bolton expresses doubts about Trump's ability to broker an effective Iran deal similar to the Obama administration's agreement.
"The negotiations have now been suspended to an indefinite date... The Israeli inclination is to strike now and destroy [Iran's nuclear capabilities]." [25:02]
He remains uncertain about the future of U.S.-Iran relations under Trump's leadership.
9. The China-Russia Axis and Future Foreign Policy
Bolton underscores the emerging alliance between China and Russia as a central threat in the 21st century. He warns that the U.S. is inadequately prepared to address this alliance and stresses the need for increased military capabilities and stronger alliances.
"A threat from China and the emerging China-Russia axis is the centerpiece of the 21st century." [27:13]
He calls for heightened concern and increased defense budgets to counter these geopolitical challenges effectively.
10. Conclusion
Yalda Hakim wraps up the conversation by acknowledging Bolton's insights into the chaotic nature of the Trump administration's foreign policy. She hints at the unpredictable nature of future U.S. international relations as shaped by Trump's unconventional leadership style.
This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, highlighting the challenges posed by erratic decision-making, strained international alliances, and persistent threats from adversarial nations. John Bolton provides a critical perspective on the implications of Trump's leadership for global stability and security.