$6 Million
- Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
- Net Worth: $6 Million
- Birthdate: November 20, 1948
- Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Attorney, Political Commentator, Government Official, Diplomat, Author
- Nationality: United States of America
What Is John Bolton’s Net Worth and Salary?
John Bolton is an American attorney, political commentator, former diplomat, and government official with a net worth of $6 million. He has held numerous influential positions in Republican administrations, most notably as:
- National Security Advisor (2018–2019) under Donald Trump
- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2005–2006) under George W. Bush
- Under Secretary of State for Arms Control (2001–2005)
- Assistant U.S. Attorney General under Ronald Reagan
Bolton is known for his hawkish foreign policy views, advocating for military intervention and regime change in several countries. His earnings come from government salaries, legal practice, political commentary, book sales, and consulting roles.
John Bolton’s Salary
According to a 2019 financial disclosure, Bolton earned $569,423 from Fox News before joining the Trump administration, making him one of the highest-paid contributors.
Early Life and Education
John Robert Bolton was born November 20, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Edward Bolton, a fireman, and Virginia Bolton, a homemaker. He attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills before enrolling at Yale University, where he earned a B.A. in 1970.
Bolton later obtained a J.D. from Yale Law School in 1974. While a supporter of the Vietnam War, he avoided combat by securing a student deferment and later served four years in the Maryland Air National Guard before transitioning to the U.S. Army Reserve.
Legal and Early Political Career
Law Career
After graduating from law school, Bolton worked at the Washington, D.C. office of Covington & Burling from 1974 to 1981, later returning from 1983 to 1985. He later became a partner at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus (1993–1999) and worked as counsel at Kirkland & Ellis (2008–2018).
Reagan and Bush Sr. Administrations
Bolton began his government career under Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, holding positions in the:
- Justice Department
- State Department
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
His roles included:
- Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs
- Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division
- Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs
Bush Administration and Iraq War Role
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control (2001–2005)
In 2001, Bolton was appointed Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security under George W. Bush.
- He amplified false claims of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, helping justify the 2003 U.S. invasion.
- He labeled Syria, Libya, and Cuba as terrorist states, pushing for military interventions.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2005–2006)
Bush nominated Bolton as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., but his confirmation was blocked by bipartisan opposition due to his hawkish foreign policy views and abrasive leadership style.
Bush circumvented Congress by making a recess appointment, allowing Bolton to serve without Senate confirmation. However, amid continued opposition, Bolton resigned in 2006 when his appointment expired.
Trump Administration (2018–2019)
National Security Advisor
Bolton replaced H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor in April 2018.
During his tenure, he:
- Led the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal
- Pushed for dissolving the Global Health Security team (which later impacted U.S. pandemic response)
- Advocated aggressive actions against North Korea, Venezuela, and Iran
- Targeted international organizations, calling for U.S. withdrawal from key treaties
In September 2019, Bolton was removed from his position. While Trump claimed he fired Bolton, Bolton stated he resigned due to policy disagreements.
Post-Trump Career and Memoir
Book: The Room Where It Happened
In 2020, Bolton published The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, detailing his time in the Trump administration. The book became a bestseller, revealing:
- Trump sought foreign help for re-election
- Internal chaos and dysfunction in the White House
- Trump’s erratic approach to foreign policy
The Trump administration sued to block the book’s release, but failed, leading to massive sales.
Media and Think Tank Roles
Bolton has held multiple media and policy roles, including:
- Fox News Contributor (2006–2018)
- The Weekly Standard Columnist
- Senior Vice President of the American Enterprise Institute (1997–2001)
- Chairman of the Gatestone Institute (2013–2018), a think tank known for anti-Muslim rhetoric
- Founder of the John Bolton Super PAC (2013)
Controversies
War Hawk Reputation
Bolton has consistently supported:
- The 2003 Iraq War
- Military strikes on Iran, North Korea, and Syria
- Regime change in Venezuela
His aggressive foreign policy stance has drawn bipartisan criticism.
Anti-International Organization Policies
Bolton has opposed U.S. participation in international organizations, including:
- The United Nations
- The International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Arms control agreements
John Bolton’s Financial Standing
Primary Sources of Wealth:
- Government Salaries – Held multiple high-ranking positions.
- Fox News & Media Earnings – Paid $569,423 annually as a Fox contributor.
- Legal Career – Partner at major law firms.
- Book Sales – The Room Where It Happened was a bestseller.
- Think Tank & Consulting – Earned from policy advisory roles.
Net Worth Breakdown:
- Investments & Savings: ~$3 million
- Real Estate Holdings: ~$1.5 million
- Book Royalties & Media Contracts: ~$1.5 million
Personal Life
- Married Christina Bolton (1972–1983, divorced).
- Married Gretchen Smith Bolton (1986–present), a financial planner.
- Has one daughter, Jennifer.
- Lives in Bethesda, Maryland.
Conclusion
John Bolton’s career in law, politics, and media has made him a significant figure in U.S. foreign policy. Known for his hardline conservative stance, he has played a key role in shaping U.S. military interventions and diplomatic policies.
His net worth of $6 million comes from government salaries, law practice, book sales, and media appearances. Despite controversies, Bolton remains influential in national security and international affairs discussions.
