Prefer Jewish News on Google
Donald Trump taps Jewish defence analyst as new National Security Advisor
Charles Kupperman, 68, was criticised following the appointment to the interim position, with commentators citing links to a controversial 'anti-Muslim' group
Donald Trump has appointed a Jewish defence analyst who worked with Ronald Reagan to replace John Bolton as his interim National Security Advisor.
Charles Kupperman, 68, a defence analyst under the Reagan administration, was immediately labelled the wrong choice by commentators who cited his ties to the Centre for Security Policy, described as an “anti-Muslim think-tank”.
Among the theories pushed by the CSP is the suggestion that the Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated the US government, according to reports.
Kupperman is Trump’s fourth National Security Advisor in three years, after Bolton went the way of Michael Flynn and H. R. McMaster. Keith Kellogg also filled the role briefly, in 2017.
He follows a long line of distinguished post-holders, including Henry Kissinger, in a role defined as chief in-house advisor to the president on all national security issues, including Iran, over which Trump and Bolton clashed.
After Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal, Bolton – who favours military action – ordered a US troop and carrier build-up in the Gulf, as well as a cyber-offensive, and urged Trump to bomb Iran in response to its downing of a US drone. Trump later said he aborted the mission at the last minute, joking that Bolton had “never seen a war he didn’t like”.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
