The news comes at a difficult time for President Donald Trump: he needs foreign policy wins to contribute to his chances of re-election in November 2020, and he has invested political capital in improving ties with North Korea. Moreover, foreign policy related controversies have seen Trump put under formal impeachment investigation.
Trump will likely take a less hawkish tone towards Iran and North Korea with the departure of John Bolton as national security adviser.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s foreign policy influence will grow, provided he maintains the president’s favour.
The administration will renew its push to emphasise religious freedom as a foreign policy objective.
If the impeachment investigations turn up damaging evidence, Trump will have to divert more time to fighting allegations.
