'You don't have to work': Donald Trump says serving as national security adviser is 'easy'

Michael Collins, David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY
Updated

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is looking for a new national security adviser, and for those who might be interested, here's something to consider:

It’s an easy job, Trump says.

“You know why it's easy? Because I make all of the decisions — you don't have to work,” Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn on Thursday as he was departing for Baltimore for a meeting with House Republicans.

Still, “It’s a lot of fun to work for Donald Trump," he added.

Trump fired his third national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday, saying the two “disagreed strongly” on foreign policy matters. Bolton, however, contradicted Trump's characterization of his departure, writing in a tweet minutes after the president's that he offered to resign.

Bolton's departure came amid internal tensions at the White House over negotiations with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan. Bolton opposed a planned secret meeting with the Taliban at Camp David that the president scuttled over the weekend.

Then-national security adviser John Bolton watches as President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on May 22, 2018.
Then-national security adviser John Bolton watches as President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on May 22, 2018.

More: Why the Trump-Bolton breakup was inevitable. They clashed over Iran, North Korea and more

Trump told reporters on Wednesday that Bolton made "some very big mistakes," including his role as an advocate for the invasion of Iraq in 2003 – which happened years before Trump brought him on board at the White House. Trump also blasted Bolton for suggesting that the U.S. was seeking to embrace the "Libyan model" for North Korea.

Former national security adviser John Bolton
Former national security adviser John Bolton

At the White House on Thursday, Trump said there are 15 candidates in line to replace Bolton. Just a day earlier, he said he was considering at least five people for the position.

Trump is expected to name Bolton's successor next week.

Trump also dismissed news reports that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo might take on the role of national security adviser in addition to his duties as the nation's top diplomat. Trump said Pompeo isn’t interested in the job.

More: 'Let's be clear, I resigned.' John Bolton contradicts Donald Trump on whether he was fired

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump: National security adviser is 'easy' job