Former National Security Advisor John Bolton is suggesting it is not out of the question for President Donald Trump to avoid the peaceful transfer of power if he loses the upcoming presidential election.
During a talk hosted by the National Press Club, Bolton told host Michael Freedman it is going to take Republican leadership to make sure Trump does not extend his stay.
“He may attempt anything. Look, under Trump, there are no rules except what benefits Donald Trump. I think this is nonetheless not a moment to get apocalyptic before we have more evidence,” Bolton said.
He added, “That’s why I was so disturbed by his comment yesterday as reported by the press because I think that to try to say in advance, ‘the only fair outcome is when I win’ is something that we should pause over. This is going to call for some leadership by Republicans.”
Watch his comments below (5:50):
Bolton suggested there may be a “reasonable basis” to contest this election.
“What’s reasonable to do within the law, people should not get upset about. What begins to get unreasonable, we ought to look for some evidence for,” Bolton said.
Bolton’s comments come just days after Trump told reporters the only way he can lose the election is if it is “rigged,” as IJR previously reported.
On July 30, Trump proposed delaying the election and slammed universal mail-in voting, as IJR also reported.
Voter suppression has proved to be a concern for Democratic officials.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll in late July, eight of 10 Democrats are concerned about voter suppression.
Trump recently received backlash for his comments surrounding the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and universal mail-in voting.
During an appearance on Fox Business on Aug. 13, Trump said if the next stimulus package does not include funding for the post office, Democrats “can’t have universal mail-in voting.”
Trump refuted claims he is trying to sabotage the Postal Service during Monday’s “Fox & Friends” phone call interview.
Trump said he wants to “make the post office great again.”
