Bolton and the Washington national security bureaucracy thought that Trump would inevitably follow the Eisenhower model of the Presidency, in national security matters at least, in which Trump was regarded as ignorant. Under the Eisenhower model, Trump would choose seasoned experts like Bolton, whose staff work would define the issues. These would be presented to Trump for decision with a limited range of options.
That model works well enough when the staff and bureaucracy accept that the President, as the nation's elected chief executive, sets the country's security objectives and strategy. Eisenhower was respected and trusted in national security matters, so he won the big issue of the day: no attempt to confront and "roll back" communism.
The result under Eisenhower was that the national security establishment was subject to budget limitations but given a wide freedom to make weapons and personnel choices. Enough money was saved that the national debt was paid down, with Eisenhower aiming at prosperity, domestic reform, and political tranquility. Eisenhower was remarkably successful.
The Korean War ended with a truce that froze the conflict, China and Russia were effectively contained, and the conditions created for South Korea and Japan to become free, prosperous democracies and solid American allies. The national debt was reduced, federal spending was limited, segregation was put on the path to extinction, and the country was so peaceful and prosperous that the Eisenhower era is remembered as dull and happy.
In broad terms, Trump wanted to follow the Eisenhower strategy toward similar ends. Unfortunately, due to the deep state and fierce Democratic and media opposition and unreliable RINOs, Trump was ill-served by a succession of weak and disloyal staffers and most of the federal bureaucracy.
On the defining issue of peace and war, Trump preferred peace, like Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, and every modern president with a lick of sense. Trump almost certainly avoided a terrible war with North Korea and set the basis for freezing the Afghanistan conflict. Given a second term, I believe that Trump would have a record like Eisenhower: an era of peace, prosperity, and reform.
Of course, a treacherous deep state and corrupt Democrats exploited COVID to steal the election from Trump. With the dismal and senile Biden at the top, we abandoned Afghanistan, showing weakness that encouraged Putin to attack Ukraine, and now we are on the edge of war with China.
So where is Bolton in all this? A scheming, disgruntled, justly fired national security bureaucrat, a bit player in the larger scheme of things. Yes, Bolton is a war hawk, but like much of the national security establishment, he fails to understand and exploit America's full range of power to achieve victory without war.
Our way of life, our political, economic, technological, and cultural freedom gives America a near gravitational power in the world that our adversaries struggle to resist. If our strength is properly managed and applied, America rarely has to go to war. In short, Bolton is not just a war hawk, but he is a dope when it comes to America's grand strategy. And Trump saw and understood this.
Very interesting take. Lemme just play devil’s advocate for a sec.
A lot of interventionist things that Bolton might have approved of were going on behind the scenes in the Ike era (Guatemala, Lebanon, etc.). Also, anti-communism gave us unity and confidence in the Fifties. Neocons like Bolton are forever looking for a cause or a crusade that will recreate that spirit. It doesn’t work, but that doesn’t stop them.