Former national security adviser John Bolton tried praising former White House chief of staff John Kelly for going public with his criticism of President Donald Trump.
But given Bolton’s own reluctance to speak out ― apparently to save his revelations for a book ― it didn’t go over very well.
Kelly made headlines on Thursday for speaking in support of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who reported Trump’s attempts to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rivals. Kelly also praised immigrants, who Trump constantly smears, among other criticisms of the president at an event in New Jersey.
Bolton tweeted:
Bolton last year refused to appear during the House impeachment inquiry for a voluntary deposition, and his attorney said he would sue if subpoenaed. He said he would testify if called before the Senate during Trump’s impeachment trial, but GOP leaders allowed no witnesses.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), one of the House impeachment managers, said managers approached Bolton to sign an affidavit regarding what he witnessed during his time in the White House.
He declined.
“For whatever reason, he apparently was willing to testify before the Senate, but apart from that, seems intent on saving it for his book,” Schiff said earlier this month on MSNBC. “He’ll have to answer for that.”
Bolton is also being asked on Twitter to answer for his message in support of Kelly: