"Robert O'Brien is a great choice to be National Security Advisor," said Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), who labeled the choice an 'exceptional pick.'
"He is a high energy, low ego individual who will do fantastic in this role," the Congressman added.
I am pleased to announce that I will name Robert C. O’Brien, currently serving as the very successful Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department, as our new National Security Advisor. I have worked long & hard with Robert. He will do a great job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2019
Trump liked that Robert O'Brien was effusive in his praise. Speaking to reporters on AF1 yesterday, Trump said: "Robert O'Brien said, 'Trump is the greatest hostage negotiator in history.' He happens to be right." He named him national security adviser a day later.
— Kevin Liptak (@Kevinliptakcnn) September 18, 2019
O'Brien's most recent high profile diplomatic effort was in Sweden, where he headlined U.S. efforts to free rapper A$AP.
O'Brien's official title at the State Department was, "Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the U.S. Department of State."
O'Brien will be the fourth National Security Adviser for President Trump, going through former Defense Intelligence Agency chief Michael Flynn, Army General H.R. McMaster, and then Bolton.
Last week, Mr. Trump said Bolton had disagreed with him on a number of major foreign policy issues.
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