The Room Where It Happened

Bolton is entirely transparent about his specific views on a range of foreign policy issues, including Iran, the War in Afghanistan, and North Korean aggression. Pick one issue you agree with Bolton on and one issue you disagree with him on and explain why.

Why does Bolton believe he isn’t part of the so-called “axis of adults”? Do you find his reasoning convincing? Why or why not?

Although Bolton and Pompeo share many of the same foreign policy views, their approach toward handling Trump differs greatly. Compare and contrast the two men’s relationship with Trump.

Some of the book’s biggest questions concern whether Trump should meet with the leaders of various foreign adversaries, namely Kim Jong Un, Javad Zarif, and leaders of the Taliban. Is Bolton right to dissuade Trump from taking these meetings? Does a presidential meeting confer a certain respect to these adversaries that they haven’t earned? Or are bilateral summits like those with Kim necessary for diplomacy?

Cite three examples in which Trump prioritized his personal interests over that of the country. What do you think a different president would have or could have done differently in each instance?

Many of the claims made by Bolton are highly contentious, drawing denials from various administration officials and Trump himself. Do you believe Bolton’s accounts? Why or why not? Are some of his recollections more believable than others?

Do you think this book will make any difference in terms of how Americans view Donald Trump, or have the vast majority of Americans already made up their mind about the president? Do you think the book will have value for future historians looking back on this era?

Assuming everything Bolton wrote is true, do you think his depiction of Trump is fair? Are there instances in which Bolton doesn’t give the president enough credit? Or is his excoriation of Trump fully justified?