Earlier this AM, @AmbJohnBolton told journalists traveling w/ him re timetable for w/drawal from Syria that “this is a cause and effect. Timetables or the timing of the withdrawal occurs as a result of the fulfillment of the conditions and establishment of the circumstances we
want to see.” In response to question re legal authority for maintaining US troops at Tanf, @AmbJohnBolton replied “Well I think there’s plenty of legal justification about concern for the resurgence of ISIS. But I’m a strong believer in Article II, and I think what that means is
the president has full authority to protect American and allied interests around the world.” @AmbJohnBolton also commented on passing of fmr SecDef Brown: “He was a great patriot who devotes most of his life to public service. You don’t have to agree w/someone all the time to see
that.” Asked about qualifications for Secretary of Defense, @AmbJohnBolton replied that he had shared his views on that w/ @realDonaldTrump and would not be discussing them beyond that conversation w/ @POTUS.
