Former National Security Adviser John Bolton is encouraging his fellow Republicans to come to terms with a Biden presidency and reminding them their political careers will be safe if they choose to disagree with President Donald Trump.
During an interview with NPR on Friday, Bolton told Republicans to “acknowledge the reality that Biden is the president-elect.”
He added, “They may not like it, but the country deserves to give him the preparation he needs. A gracious president who kept the country’s interest first would acknowledge that.”
NPR’s Steve Inskeep noted it has been “widely presumed” Republicans have been careful to criticize Trump in order to keep the party unified for Senate runoff races.
“All I’m saying is that showing disagreement with the president is not fatal to your political future. I’m not asking anybody to climb Mount Suribachi and plant the American flag on top of it,” Bolton said.
He continued, “I’m just saying, for example, agree that Biden and key people on his transition team should have full access to intelligence briefings.”
Bolton also urged Republicans to “agree” the individual transition teams at the State Department, the Defense Department, and the intelligence community can “begin their work.”
He has voiced his criticism of Trump after the president has failed to concede the election, as IJR previously reported.
Bolton said Congressional Republicans are “coddling” Trump. He explained he is not fearful of Trump.
“What’s the president going to do to me, sue me?” Bolton said.
He went on, “Come at me again. I’m ready.”
White House officials have indicated they have no plans to accept the election results anytime soon.
White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro told Fox News Trump officials are certain he will serve another four years, as IJR previously reported.
“We’re moving forward here at the White House under the assumption that there will be a second Trump term,” Navarro said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.”