Trump reportedly limiting his authority by delegating responsibilities to Rubio in dual positions, according to John Bolton's assertion.
Updated: May 5, 2025, 12:51 PM CDT
In a bold move, Marco Rubio steps into a unique role, serving as both the interim National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. This first occurred since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s.
Following President Trump's announcement that Mike Waltz, who previously held the National Security Advisor role, is nominated for the U.S. Representative at the United Nations, Rubio takes over. The shift comes after a mishap where Waltz inadvertently added the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a chat containing sensitive information about March strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Vice President Vance maintains the move is not a "firing."
Kissinger, who filled these roles for two years under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, was a powerful influencer in shaping the post World War-II era of global politics.
If President Trump believes this merger gives him more control, he is mistaken, according to John Bolton, former National Security Advisor and Ambassador to the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration. Instead, this move may potentially "diminish" his own control over the State Department and various national security agencies.
Though the combined role places Rubio in an advantageous position, Bolton cautions that it won't come without challenges. Balancing the twin roles is no easy feat, with potential conflicts arising due to the contrasting nature of the two positions.
The National Security Advisor's primary task is to coordinate discussions among various departments and agencies, providing the President with necessary information for informed decision-making. The Secretary of State, on the other hand, serves as the foremost U.S. diplomat, overseeing a 75,000-person department with embassies and consulates around the world, aiming to achieve foreign policy objectives through diplomacy.
Bolton explains that Trump's suspicion of the National Security Council staff may have led him to minimize its role, a misguided approach in Bolton's opinion. The combined position may tilt the system, disadvantageous to Trump and potentially the country as well.
Bolton talked to NPR's Michel Martin about the reasons behind this change, its potential impact on decision-making in the White House, and the balance between informed and spur-of-the-moment decisions.
Exploring the Duties
Michel Martin: For those unfamiliar, what are the core responsibilities of each job?
John Bolton: The National Security Advisor oversees coordination among various departments and agencies that form part of the national security responsibilities of the president, helping the president make informed decisions and coordinating the implementation across the bureaucracy. The Secretary of State, on the other hand, serves as the lead diplomat for the United States, running a large department with embassies and consulates worldwide to achieve foreign policy objectives through diplomacy.
Martin: Over the years, it seems the National Security Advisor stuck closer to the president, while the Secretary of State was more frequently on the road. What's your sense regarding this move? Why do you think it's been made?
Bolton: Given Trump's suspicion of the National Security Council staff, he may think minimizing its role will benefit him. However, this move could diminish his control over the State Department and various national security agencies, tilting the system to the disadvantage of both the president and the country.
Marco Rubio takes the Helm
Martin: Given his new double role, does Rubio have an advantageous position? What do you think about the president's decision?
Bolton:while this position gives Rubio a significant advantage, it is challenging to balance these roles. The overlapping nature of these jobs makes it difficult for one individual to effectively handle them, but Rubio needs to navigate these hurdles if he's to succeed.
Decision-making Concerns
Martin: Critics argue that this combination may diminish the president's capacity to make informed decisions. What's your take on that?
Bolton: Combining these roles could lead to more spur-of-the-moment decisions, reducing the chances of informed decision-making. While the president ultimately makes the final call, ensuring that he receives accurate, well-researched information is essential for effective leadership.
Extending Waltz's Assignment
Martin: The move comes as Michael Waltz is removed as National Security Advisor and nominated to be ambassador to the United Nations. Given Waltz's circumstances, what do you think it implies that he's being sent to the United Nations?
Bolton: It seems like Waltz is being "exiled" to New York, as the UN ambassadorship offers him little influence in Washington. This move may signal a difference in Presidential leadership styles and priorities, as Bolton himself went from UN ambassador to National Security Advisor.
- In a twist that echoes the 1970s, Marco Rubio takes on the roles of both National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, following the nomination of former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for the U.S. Representative at the United Nations.
- John Bolton, former National Security Advisor and Ambassador to the United Nations, warns that Rubio's combined role may present formidable challenges, given the contrasting nature of the two positions: coordinating discussions among various departments and agencies, versus serving as the foremost U.S. diplomat with embassies worldwide.
- While some casino personalities might relish in the high-stakes scenario, Bolton fears this merger could lead to a tilt in the system, potentially to the detriment of Trump's control and the country's overall welfare.
- Commenting on the impact of the move, Bolton suggests that the new arrangement might lead to more impulsive decisions, diminishing the chances of informed decision-making vital for an effective leader.
- Under the spotlight for his misstep with sensitive information leak, Mike Waltz was sent off to the United Nations, sparking questions about the president's leadership style and priorities.
- In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, policy, and general news, the future policy-and-legislation and war-and-conflicts management remains uncertain, with the balancing act between informed and impulsive decision-making taking center stage.
