Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton exposes Donald Trump’s interest in Venezuelan oil during his first term, highlighting efforts to oust Maduro.
Former US national security adviser John Bolton claims that the plan to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro emerged during US President Donald Trump’s first term.
Bolton, who served in the White House as national security adviser from 2018-2019, told CNN that Trump already had a “big interest in Venezuelan oil” during his first term.
Plans to oust Maduro
According to Bolton, he and his team managed to get Trump interested in the idea of ousting Maduro, but “couldn’t keep his attention” on the topic. Even the Venezuelan opposition at that time believed that economic pressure would be enough to weaken and bring down the Maduro regime.
Current US Secretary of State Marco Rubio apparently had more success persuading Trump to act, according to Bolton. “I think this time Trump was won over by Rubio’s persistence and political benefits,” Bolton said.
Bolton’s criticism of Trump
After retiring as national security adviser, Bolton became an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. He is currently facing multiple charges related to the unauthorized handling of information related to US defense and security.
CNN has reached out to the White House for comment on Bolton’s comments.
