At Least 10 Potential Candidates to Replace Bolton Being Discussed in White House

The White House is discussing ten candidacies to replace recently fired US National Security Adviser John Bolton, media reported, citing sources.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he had asked Bolton to resign over policy disagreements, saying he would appoint his replacement next week. Charles Kupperman, Bolton's deputy, was named as acting national security adviser to replace him until a permanent replacement.

Among the possible candidates are US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook, former Deputy National Security Adviser Ricky Waddell and Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, CNN broadcaster reported. The media added that the latter was also under consideration to be the next deputy secretary of state, Sputnik reports.

Other candidates are National Security Adviser to Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney Rob Blair, US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra, Jack Keane, a retired four-star general, National Security Adviser to Vice President Mike Pence Keith Kellogg.

Moreover, Douglas Macgregor, the retired US Army colonel, and Fred Fleitz, the former chief of staff to Bolton at the National Security Council, are also on the list, CNN said.

Former UK Ambassador to Syria Peter Ford opined that Bolton's resignation could relieve Washington's pressure on Venezuela and resume US attempts to sign deals with Iran and North Korea. The ex-ambassador also noted that Trump was disappointed in Bolton's activities regarding Venezuelan crisis and Afghanistan.