[ClearCase_guy]

It always seemed to me that Bolton was there just to play devil's advocate and argue for military intervention in all cases --

President: "We have a foreign policy issue with France, what do you advise?"
Bolton: "We should consider nuking them, and if not that, then we should invade."
Pompeo: "A simple phone call and a little diplomacy will smooth this over."
Bolton: "So, are we going to invade?"
President: "No, John. When do I ever take your advice? A simple phone call and a little diplomacy will smooth this over."

[Dutch Boy]

Sort of like Worf’s advice on Star Trek TNG. Almost a parody but in real life.