Bolton Trashes Trump Team

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton went on the attack Wednesday, blasting Secretary of State Marco Rubio for opposing new sanctions on countries buying Russian oil. Bolton didn’t mince words, calling Rubio’s position “dangerous” and warning it could hand Vladimir Putin a major victory.

During a fiery appearance on CNN’s News Central, Bolton said America must lead, not wait for slow-moving European nations to act.

“Saying we’ll wait for Europe is like waiting for something that will never happen,” Bolton declared. “If the United States doesn’t take charge, this war will drag on, lives will be lost, and Putin will keep gaining ground. That’s exactly what he’s counting on.”

Rubio Defends His Approach, Cautions Against Escalation

Rubio, speaking Tuesday on NBC’s Today, pushed back against immediate sanctions, arguing that the U.S. is the only nation able to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

“If we hit Russia with tough sanctions now, we lose our ability to broker peace,” Rubio said. “This war could go on for years, and hundreds of thousands more could die. We’re working to prevent that.”

Rubio also blasted Europe for continuing to buy Russian oil, accusing European leaders of fueling Putin’s war machine with their energy dependence.

Bolton: Putin Feels Emboldened After Alaska Summit

Bolton believes Putin’s aggressive moves in Ukraine stem from his recent face-to-face meeting with President Trump in Alaska.

“Since that summit, Putin has acted as if he has a free hand,” Bolton warned. “Sadly, his view of the battlefield appears to be accurate, and that should concern everyone who values freedom.”

Sanctions Still Possible, Rubio Says

While Rubio opposes sanctions for now, he admitted that President Trump may eventually have to act if Putin continues to escalate.

“We’ve always known Putin’s goal is to seize territory like Donetsk,” Rubio explained. “Right now, we’re focused on being the one country that can talk to both sides. But if Putin refuses to back down, the President may have no choice but to impose sanctions.”

Why This Matters to America

This growing divide between Bolton and Rubio highlights a critical moment for American foreign policy.

• Bolton’s strategy: Immediate action and strong sanctions to stop Russia’s aggression.
• Rubio’s approach: Diplomacy first, sanctions later — if negotiations fail.

With European nations dragging their feet and Putin growing bolder, the Trump administration faces a defining decision:

• Crack down on Russia now to show strength and protect U.S. allies, or
• Hold back and negotiate, risking a longer, bloodier war.

Bottom Line

America’s next move could reshape the balance of power in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Bolton says bold leadership is needed today. Rubio says diplomacy should come first. President Trump will ultimately decide — and the world is watching closely.