Trump’s Ceasefire Boast: Ex-US Official Bolton Dismisses Claims as ‘Just Trump Being Trump’
When former US National Security Advisor John Bolton heard that Donald Trump had claimed credit for the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire, he wasn’t surprised. “Typical Trump,” Bolton told ANI in an exclusive interview. “He jumps in before anyone else can take credit. That’s just Trump being Trump.”
The blunt remarks came days after the former (and current) US President took to Truth Social, declaring he’d brokered a “FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE” between the nuclear-armed rivals. But as tensions simmer and facts emerge, questions linger: Did Trump really play peacemaker—or is this another case of his trademark self-promotion?
The Ceasefire That Caught the World’s Attention
On May 10, India and Pakistan stunned the world by agreeing to halt cross-border military actions after four days of intense fighting. The truce followed Operation Sindoor—India’s targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7. New Delhi called the operation a “necessary response” to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians.
Pakistan retaliated with drone strikes and artillery fire, pushing the two nations toward a dangerous escalation. Global leaders held their breath, fearing a repeat of 2019’s near-war scenario. Then, out of nowhere, Trump posted his ceasefire announcement, crediting himself and the US for the breakthrough.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States…” Trump wrote, adding that Washington used “trade” leverage to secure the deal. He even offered to mediate on Kashmir—a move India swiftly rejected.
Read More Stories :Jyoti Malhotra’s Arrest Exposes Pak-Linked Spy Ring: YouTuber’s Diary, Foreign Trips Under Scanner
John Bolton’s Take: “Nothing Personal, It’s Just Trump”
For Bolton, Trump’s grandstanding was predictable. “He takes credit for everything. This wasn’t about India or Pakistan—it’s about Trump wanting to be in the spotlight,” he explained.
While Bolton acknowledged Trump may have spoken to PM Modi and US officials like VP JD Vance, he dismissed the idea of a formal US role. “Other countries probably called too. But Trump jumps in first. It’s irritating, sure, but not personal,” he said.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed this skepticism. In a terse statement, officials clarified:
-
No US mediation on Kashmir: “Our position remains unchanged—Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue.”
-
No ‘trade’ discussions: “Trade wasn’t mentioned in any India-US talks during or after Operation Sindoor.”
Operation Sindoor: The Trigger Behind the Crisis
To understand the ceasefire drama, we must rewind to Operation Sindoor—India’s precision strikes on nine terror hubs linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation, named after the vermilion symbolizing marital commitment in India, signaled New Delhi’s resolve to retaliate against cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan’s counterattacks followed, but by May 10, both sides stepped back. Analysts suggest exhaustion and international pressure played bigger roles than Trump’s intervention. “Ceasefires often happen when both nations realize they’ve made their point,” said security expert Rhea Menon. “External mediation is rare unless invited.”
Why Trump’s Claims Rile India
Trump’s Kashmir mediation offer hit a raw nerve. Since 1947, India has insisted on resolving disputes with Pakistan bilaterally. The 1972 Simla Agreement formalized this stance, and even past US administrations (barring Trump’s 2019 off-script remarks) have respected it.
“By claiming credit, Trump undermines India’s agency,” argued foreign policy analyst Arjun Rao. “It makes peace look like a US-brokered deal, not a sovereign decision.”
The MEA’s sharp rebuttal—emphasizing Pakistan’s need to vacate “illegally occupied Indian territory”—hinted at frustration. “The ceasefire was a tactical pause, not a diplomatic gift from Trump,” a government source told HT.
Global Reactions: Eye Rolls and Quiet Relief
While Trump’s boast drew eyerolls, many world leaders privately welcomed the de-escalation. A European diplomat admitted, “We’re just glad they stopped. Who gets credit matters less.”
China, Pakistan’s ally, remained uncharacteristically quiet. Experts say Beijing prefers stability on its South Asian flank amid its own tensions with India.
The Bigger Picture: Trump’s “Credit-Grabbing” Habit
This isn’t the first time Trump has claimed unverified diplomatic wins. In 2019, he asserted PM Modi asked him to mediate on Kashmir—a claim India denied. Similarly, he’s taken credit for NATO funding boosts and Middle East deals critics say were already in motion.
“Trump confuses correlation with causation,” Bolton remarked. “If it rains after he tweets, he’ll say he fixed the weather.”
What’s Next for India-Pakistan Relations?
The ceasefire holds—for now. But with terrorism and territorial disputes unresolved, lasting peace seems distant. India insists Pakistan must dismantle terror networks, while Islamabad demands talks on Kashmir.
As for Trump? Whether his claims are fact or fiction, one thing’s clear: in the theater of global diplomacy, he’s determined to stay center stage.
Final Word
The India-Pakistan ceasefire may have saved lives, but Trump’s attempt to own the narrative reveals more about his politics than the ground reality. As John Bolton put it: “It’s just Trump being Trump.” For India, the message is clear—when it comes to national security, they’ll chart their own course.
Stay Tuned With The News Grid For Regular Updates
