Trump names hawk Bolton as national security advisor

– Fork in the road –

McMaster’s exit is the latest in a string of high-profiledepartures from the White House that started with national security advisor Michael Flynn and has also included chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Steve Bannon, economic advisor Gary Cohn and Tillerson.

McMaster, a three-star army general, had been expected to move out of the White House and into a four-star position.

Instead, he will retire from public life.

“After thirty-four years of service to our nation, I am requesting retirement from the US Army effective this summer after which I will leave public service,” he said in a statement.

“Throughout my career it has been my greatest privilege to serve alongside extraordinary service members and dedicated civilians.”

McMaster had been brought in to replace Flynn, Trump’s first national security advisor, who has since admitted to lying to the special counsel Robert Mueller and has turned state’s witness.

Bolton’s appointment brought sharply different reactions, which in public cut along predictable party lines.

Democratic Senator Edward Markey described the appointment as “a grave danger to the American people and a clear message from President Trump that he is gearing up for military conflict.”

Congressman Lee Zeldin, a Trump loyalist, applauded the appointment and described Bolton as “ridiculously knowledgeable.”

“Leaks from NSC will end. Obama holdovers will be gone & team, chemistry & work product will all get ramped up. Very underrated, amazing American. Extraordinarily talented pick,” he tweeted.

The Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy, said Bolton’s appointment makes US foreign policy “America First on Steroids.”

“This very hardline, strident figure will stoke President Donald Trump’s hardest-line instincts. Bolton will want to implement very tough policies, and limit Trump’s use of them as negotiating tactics,” it said.

Bolton, it added, is “the hawk’s hawk.”