Former Adviser Criticizes Biden’s National Security Policy and Calls for Stronger U.S. Defense Spending
John Bolton, who previously served as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, has voiced strong criticism of President Joe Biden’s national security policy, describing it as ineffective. The remarks came during a broadcast on the radio station WABC, where Bolton laid out his assessment of the current administration’s approach to global threats.
Bolton argued that partners and rivals alike are reshaping the geopolitical landscape. He pointed to what he described as strengthened alliances between Russia, China, and Iran, asserting that those nations have built up their own military capabilities and security networks while the United States has been slow to respond. In his view, this shift represents a significant challenge to American influence and a potential risk to regional stability across multiple theaters.
In another critical assessment, Bolton characterized the decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan as a strategic misstep and a disastrous outcome. He contended that the exit undermined the credibility of U.S. security commitments and left critical areas more susceptible to destabilizing forces. The former adviser emphasized that the consequences of the withdrawal extend beyond Afghanistan, signaling to allies and adversaries alike the importance of clear, sustained American engagement in regions of strategic interest.
Bolton pressed the Biden administration to elevate national security policy on the federal agenda and to align funding with perceived threats. He asserted that defense spending under the current leadership has not matched the level of risk, calling for a heightened allocation to safeguard national interests. The commentary echoed a broader debate about how the United States should balance deterrence, diplomacy, and military readiness in a rapidly evolving environment.
During the discussion, Bolton referenced the administration’s fiscal plans, noting an anticipated surge in arms investment. He cited figures suggesting that the United States plans to spend about $170 billion on arms purchases, a level described as unprecedented for fiscal 2024. He also mentioned a Pentagon press release that outlined a draft budget featuring a record allocation of roughly $145 billion for weapons research, development, and testing. The numbers were presented as indicators of a strategic pivot toward intensified innovation and capabilities across the defense sector. Some observers view these allocations as essential to maintaining military dominance, while others warn of the risks of spending levels that may outpace strategic clarity.