‘I resigned’, ‘You were fired’ — Trump, NSA disagree on White House exit

John Bolton is out of office as the United States national security adviser (NSA).

While US President Trump said he relieved Bolton of his position, the former NSA said he voluntarily resigned.

On Tuesday, Trump took to his Twitter handle to announce that he informed Bolton his services were no longer needed.

He wrote: “I informed John Bolton last night that his services are no longer needed at the White House.

“I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration, and therefore I asked John for his resignation, which was given to me this morning. I thank John very much for his service.”

I informed John Bolton last night that his services are no longer needed at the White House. I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration, and therefore….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2019

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….I asked John for his resignation, which was given to me this morning. I thank John very much for his service. I will be naming a new National Security Advisor next week.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2019

But barely 15 minutes later, Bolton tweeted that he offered to resign but the US president asked him to hold on.

He wrote: “I offered to resign last night and President Trump said, ‘Let’s talk about it tomorrow’.”

I offered to resign last night and President Trump said, "Let's talk about it tomorrow."

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) September 10, 2019

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The duo have had their opposing views on a number of issues during Bolton’s time in office.

While he is seen as having an aggressive perspective on foreign policy issues, Trump is seen as preferring diplomacy to mend relations with some of US’ perceived enemies.

Bolton had recently disagreed with Trump’s decision to call off a retaliatory airstrike against Iran for shooting down a US drone and choosing instead to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

He is also believed to be angered with Trump’s continued relationship with Jong-Un despite repeated short-range missile tests carried out by North Korea.

The US president has promised to name a new national security adviser “next week.”