Four Truths and a Lie

September 10: On This Day In 2019

John Bolton has worked with a wide variety of top men and women in the White House over his sprawling 40+ year career.

He served in the Executive branch under Reagan and both Bushes. He served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. And he capped his time in DC serving as Donald Trump’s national security advisor, until he resigned OTDI 2019. So, he certainly has the qualifications to evaluate and compare leaders.

John published a book telling the world about his time in the Trump White House, called “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir.”

Four Truths and a Lie. Here are five stories about Donald Trump. Which four come from Bolton’s time working closely with Trump, and which one is made up? Can you guess?

1. Donald Trump doesn’t understand that Finland is an independent country

2. Donald Trump came closer than most people realize to actually quitting NATO

3. Donald Trump thought it would be “cool” to invade Venezuela, and that they’re “really part of the United States” anyway.

4. Donald Trump wanted China’s help in his re-election bid

5. Donald Trump told China’s president Xi that term limits on U.S. presidents should be abolished.

Okay, pencils down. Is it obvious? What'd you pick?

Yeah, sorry, I know, we're not very sneaky: All five of these things actually did happen, according to Bolton.

Dive Deeper

• Slate has the coverage

• BBC covers the Finland angle

• Get your copy of his book here

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On This Day In The Trump Administration Trump Bolton Four Truths and a Lie