Bolton: North Korea’s Christmas threat is a bluff

According to former National Security adviser John Bolton, North Korea is unlikely to follow through on its so-called “Christmas gift” threat. During an interview with NPR Thursday, he downplayed that North Korea would conduct a major weapons test before the end of the year if the U.S. fails to make concessions on a nuclear deal.

Bolton said Pyongyang believes the U.S. is desperate for an agreement and is using the “Christmas gift” threat to further pressure Washington into making a deal favoring North Korea. He warned President Trump not to give in, arguing the country will never give up its nuclear weapons.

“The North Koreans are very happy to declare they will give up their nuclear weapons program, particularly when it’s for tangible economic benefit, but they never get around to doing it,” he stated. “And I think the inescapable conclusion is they’re happy to sell that same bridge over and over again, but there’s no serious chance they will voluntarily give it up.”

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