John Bolton: The only negotiation with Maduro is about what he wants to have for lunch on the plane that takes him to Cuba

John Bolton, who was Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor in the White House (2018-2019) and today one of his great detractors, believes that if the Republican returns to power he could seek a meeting to negotiate with Nicolás Maduro, or withdraw from NATO due to the influence of the Russian Vladimir Putin.

Bolton, 75 years old, considered an interventionist and conservative ‘hawk’, explains in an interview with EFE what it was like to work with Trump, criticizes the Joe Biden Administration’s plan for Venezuela and talks about the Iranian plot that sought to assassinate him. .

—When you were in the White House you were in charge of policy towards Venezuela. How do you assess the unleashed crisis?

— The Biden Administration made a mistake by lifting sanctions with the promise of free and fair elections. There was never any chance that Maduro would allow it. By giving it legitimacy, they gave the regime a lifeline.

—The United States recognizes Edmundo González as the winner, but he is exiled in Spain. Do you see any possibility of him assuming power on January 10 or will what happened with Juan Guaidó be repeated, whom you recognized as president but never had real power?

— In 2019, Guaidó took over as interim president and there were real efforts that unfortunately failed. But it is very difficult if you are not in the country. I understand the threat to González’s security and I do not criticize his exile because the opponents who remain in Venezuela are at risk, but it is urgent that other governments take action.

—Do you think the United States should negotiate with Maduro to leave? There are reports that he has been offered an amnesty.

— I wouldn’t mind if an amnesty was considered a precondition for them leaving, but I don’t think we are in a position of strength. The only negotiation we have to make with Maduro is about what he wants to have for lunch on the plane that takes him to Cuba.

— Trump has not presented any plan for Venezuela. It only says that it is a safer country because its criminals have gone to the United States. What would happen if he wins?

— One of the problems we had in 2019 was that we couldn’t keep Trump focused. He has a very short attention span in most things. I’m worried that someone will tell him to meet with Maduro like he did with Kim Jong-un. I think I could do it. That’s why it worries me a lot.

— It is well known that you do not have a good relationship with the former president, who fired you in 2019. What was it like working with him?

— It was like living inside a pinball machine. He is not like the rest of the presidents. It does not follow a coherent political line. If he is re-elected, US foreign policy will be intermittent. As far as Europe is concerned, I am concerned that it will withdraw from NATO. I am very concerned about Putin’s ability to influence him.

— Trump says he would reach a deal to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours.

— He has no idea what he would do. You think you can reach an agreement on anything without having sufficient knowledge.

— I understand that you will not vote for him.

— I’m not going to vote for him or for (Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala) Harris. It is very sad that in a country of 350 million people the candidates for president are the two of them.

— You are in favor of taking a tough line with Iran. A strong response is expected from Israel for the Iranian attack on October 1. Should we put a red line for the Israelis?

— I wouldn’t put any. The greatest threat that Iran poses to Israel and the United States is its nuclear program. And the program would be in danger if Israel attacked it.

— I ask because Biden has asked Israel to avoid attacking nuclear facilities.

— It is a clear mistake by the Administration. Even if Biden thinks so, that is not said publicly. You can’t tell an enemy like Iran what you’re asking your ally to do.

—In 2022, authorities dismantled an Iranian plot to assassinate him. How did this threat affect your daily life?

— I thank Biden for giving me back the Secret Service protection I had in the White House. My life has not changed much compared to when I was in government. What is unacceptable is that a country that sponsors terrorism like Iran threatens current, former officials and civilians. It is proof that it is a barbaric government.