John Bolton hasn’t been National Security Adviser long, but he is already making a big impact as a series of resignations have rocked the National Security Council.
Some say Bolton is “draining the swamp,” while Bolton opponents contend Bolton epitomizes the swamp.
Bolton is also considering merging the NSC with the Homeland Security Council.
According to Fox News:
“Deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell resigned from his post Thursday, the White House said. Waddell, an Army reserve major general, joined the NSC in May 2017, following President Trump’s first deputy national security advisor K.T. McFarland’s exit.
“Rick will be leaving and his departure date has yet to be confirmed,” a White House official said in a statement.
Waddell reported directly to H.R. McMaster, who resigned as national security adviser last month.
Waddell’s resignation follows a slew of other departures this week: NSC spokesman Michael Anton resigned Sunday, White House homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert resigned Monday, and deputy national security adviser Nadia Schadlow resigned Tuesday.
Bolton, who was appointed last month and had his first day at the White House Monday, is said to be “cleaning house” at the NSC, according to a White House source.
A national security source also told Fox News that Bolton is considering a merger of the NSC and Homeland Security Council (HSC) within the White House. Currently, the NSC and HSC staff function as separate bodies, with their own meetings and policy issues, but share a staff.”
