Bolton and the White House Clash Over New Book: "Contains Classified Info vs Does Not"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Controversy has erupted over a book written by former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor John Bolton. The White House maintains that the book contains classified information and therefore its publication is problematic, while Bolton's side argues that the classified information has been removed.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 29th (local time), Charles Cooper, Bolton's attorney, revealed a copy of an email sent to the NSC, stating, "We have determined that the newly released book does not contain information that should be considered classified."

Previously, the NSC had stated that Bolton's book contained numerous classified details and should not be made public.

Attorney Cooper emphasized, "Furthermore, considering the possible impeachment trial next week, it is important that the NSC expedite its review results of the book's contents if possible."

Earlier, The New York Times (NYT) reported that Bolton's manuscript contained information that could significantly impact the impeachment trial. The book reportedly includes claims that then-President Donald Trump instructed to directly link aid to Ukraine with investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son. Bolton served in the White House during the so-called Ukraine scandal.

This issue has become a key factor in determining whether President Trump abused his power to suppress strong competitors in the upcoming presidential election.

Regarding Bolton's book, President Trump also criticized, "Bolton should have spoken about this long before he was fired; why did he remain silent at the time?"

The Washington Post (WP) explained that the White House's dispute with Bolton's side over whether classified content is included may be because this issue could pose a significant obstacle in the impeachment trial and related matters.

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on the 31st to decide whether to subpoena Bolton and others as witnesses in the impeachment trial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.