Incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton's hardline approach will not stop with North Korea or the Middle East, as Latin American countries, especially Venezuela, might expect more military strength in lieu of diplomacy, according to the Miami Herald.
"He's a war monger and Latin Americans get nervous when American presidents tend to lean toward military vs. diplomatic solutions," a national security official from former President Barack Obama's administration told the paper. "It's a militaristic style that won't go down well in Latin America."
President Donald Trump has already been a hardliner against Nicolás Maduro's government in Venezuela, applying economic sanctions and restricting financial transactions with Venezuela's new digital currently, per the report.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., tweeted twice supporting Bolton as President Trump's pick, praising "an excellent choice" and saying the "last eight days have not been good ones" for Venezuela's Maduro.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.