Bush Installs Bolton as U.N. Ambassador in Recess Appointment

Strategic Insights -

President Bush, bypassing the Senate confirmation process, installed John Bolton as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Monday. Bolton, a fierce critic of the international body, assumes the position without Senate approval, putting him at odds with senior diplomats and lawmakers. The move is seen as an attempt by the president to circumvent the Senate's role in approving high-level appointments, particularly during a time when his priority nomination, John Roberts to the Supreme Court, is up for consideration.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bush installed John Bolton as U.N. ambassador through a recess appointment, bypassing the Senate confirmation process.
  • Bolton, a Yale-educated lawyer, has been a fierce critic of the United Nations and has written scathing articles about the organization.
  • The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member, Sen. Joe Biden, had expressed opposition to Bolton's nomination due to concerns about his temperament and ability to work with other nations.
  • Bolton's previous positions include assistant secretary of state for international organizations during the Persian Gulf War and undersecretary of state for arms control and international security since 2001.
  • 35 Democratic senators and one independent, Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont, signed a letter to the president, asking him not to bypass the Senate confirmation process.
  • President Bush's decision to install Bolton through a recess appointment has sparked protests from Democrats and raised concerns about the precedent for future nominations.

Statistics:

  • 35 Democratic senators and one independent, Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont, signed a letter opposing Bolton's nomination.
  • 1: the number of U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations to be installed through a recess appointment in the past 60 years.
  • 4 years: the duration of Bolton's working relationship with senior diplomats prior to his nomination.
  • 190: the number of ambassadors appearing at a welcome ceremony at the United Nations, in which Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed Bolton.
  • 1: the number of jobs mentioned by Vice President Dick Cheney that Bolton deserved "anything he wants," including the U.N. ambassadorship.

Sources:

  • Brookings Institution's Thomas Mann
  • Statements by President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and Secretary-General Kofi Annan
  • _Reno Gazette-Journal_
  • _New York Times_