Trump boots McMaster, boosts Bolton

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump fired national security adviser H.R. McMaster on Thursday and named former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton as his replacement. The move adds to the long list of recent shake-ups involving top White House personnel. The president announced on Twitter the staff change goes into effect on April 9 and Bolton and McMaster will work together during the transition period. Bolton is set to become Trump’s third national security adviser in the last 14 months. McMaster said in a statement he plans to retire after leaving the White House. “I am thankful to President Donald J. Trump for the opportunity to serve him and our nation as national security adviser,” he said. “I am grateful for the friendship and support of the members of the National Security Council who worked together to provide the president with the best options to protect and advance our national interests.” Bolton takes over as the Trump administration gears up for a meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in May. Last month, Bolton, a commentator for the Fox News Channel and other conservative outlets, wrote a column in the Wall Street Journal titled “The legal case for striking North Korea first.” Other top White House positions are in transition, as well. Last week, the president named CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. Pompeo still has to clear Senate confirmation while Bolton does not.