Former NSC chief of staff Fred Fleitz calls on his 'friend and former boss' John Bolton to withdraw [his book] from the publisher immediately'

Count John Bolton’s former chief of staff Fred Fleitz among those disappointed and concerned by the release of Bolton’s new tell-all book:

Bolton’s former chief of staff Fred Fleitz calls on Bolton to withdraw his book.

“It also is inexplicable how such a sensitive manuscript could be sent to the NSC in the middle of the impeachment process. Under such circumstances, a leak of the manuscript was all but certain.” https://t.co/vFUDRO1x9m

— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 27, 2020

Below is my new op-ed on Ambassador Bolton's forthcoming book. I wrote this with a very heavy heart.https://t.co/BcBmszPKsm

— Fred Fleitz (@FredFleitz) January 27, 2020

Fleitz writes:

Presidents must be able to candidly consult with their advisers without worrying they will leak these discussions to the press or obtain high-dollar book contracts to publish them.  A book by a former national security adviser ahead of a president’s reelection bid may set a dangerous precedent since it could discourage future presidents from seeking advice from expert advisers on sensitive national security matters.

…

I haven’t seen Bolton’s book manuscript and I don’t know what’s in it.  I take Bolton and his staff at their word that they did not leak the manuscript to the New York Times.  But I believe they are still responsible for this leak since Bolton’s explosive book was sent to the leak-prone National Security Council for a security review in December 2019 so the book could be published in the spring of 2020.  It also is inexplicable how such a sensitive manuscript could be sent to the NSC in the middle of the impeachment process.  Under such circumstances, a leak of the manuscript was all but certain.

If a manuscript of this sensitivity was to be published at all, this should happen after the election, not in the spring of 2020.  I don’t understand the need for a former National Security Adviser to publish a tell-all book critical of a president he served, especially during a presidential reelection campaign that will determine the fate of the country.  There will be a time for Bolton to speak out without appearing to try to tip a presidential election.

Recommended

Monday Morning Meme Madness

FuzzyChimp

Advertisement

Given the hype surrounding Bolton’s book, it’s unlikely that Bolton will take Fleitz’s advice to heart. But at least Fleitz has said his piece.