Donald Trump ‘deliberately looks like a THUG in his mugshot in a bid to intimidate judges’, says John Bolton

Donald Trump looks like a thug in his world-famous mugshot — which he may have planned as a “sign of intimidation” against Georgia prosecutors and judges, his former national security adviser has claimed.

John Bolton mocked Trump’s grim expression in the historic photo, the first-ever booking photo of a former president.

The photo was taken after Trump was arrested at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on charges of fraud related to interference in the 2020 election.

The process of taking it was “carefully staged,” Bolton said, “as with most things Trump does.”

“They thought about what look they wanted. He could have smiled. He could have looked good-natured… Instead he looks like a criminal.’

John Bolton mocked Trump’s grim expression in historic photo, the first-ever booking photo of a former president

Explaining why Trump went with a mean look, Bolton recounted CNN: ‘I think it is meant as a sign of intimidation against the prosecutors and the judges.’

Bolton aimed another point at his former boss, suggesting that Trump’s team spent almost as much time deciding how to pose for the photo as it did “combing his hair.”

Last night’s arrest was Trump’s fourth this year, after charges were filed against him in New York City, Miami and Washington, DC. However, it was the first time he had his mugshot taken.

Trump’s height of 190.5 cm (6 feet 3 inches) and his weight of 97.5 kg (215 lbs) were pre-recorded and entered on the booking forms and he was given a prisoner identification number: P01135809.

He was subsequently released on payment of 10 percent of his $200,000 bail after spending just 20 minutes in the facility.

Trump’s arrest came a day after the first Republican presidential debate, which saw eight contenders take the stage in a broadcast in Milwaukee to millions across the country.

Seven of the candidates who took part in the Fox News debate, where the former president was conspicuously absent, said they would support Trump if he wins the primary, even if convicted.

In his interview, Bolton said he believed those who said they would support Trump were giving the “wrong answers.”

Bolton previously attacked Trump’s record as president in his sweeping memoir, The Room Where It Happened

The first Republican primary debate descended into chaos Wednesday night

“You can’t believe in a law-and-order philosophy and say it applies to everyone except Donald Trump,” he said.

“In any sane society, someone who is a convicted felon should step aside.”

It is not the first time that Bolton has made his views on his former boss clear.

In his all-encompassing memoir, The Room Where It Happened, Bolton attacked the president’s record, portraying him as ignorant of foreign policy and even dangerous to have in the Oval Office.

Trump hit back, calling Bolton a “boring old fool,” “liar,” and “sick puppy.”

While he previously voted for Trump in 2016, Bolton revealed that he declined to do so in 2020 and would do the same if he were the Republican nominee in 2024.

A stream of nine Trump allies turned themselves in to Georgia jail before Friday’s deadline this week

The 41 charges against the former president and his 18 co-defendants constitute the fourth and final charge against him.

He was charged with RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), a charge often used to try mafia figures, cartel leaders and gang bosses.

He is also charged with inciting a government official to violate the oath; first degree conspiracy to commit forgery; perjury; and numerous other censuses.

If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 71 years in prison — and state charges, unlike federal charges, cannot be pardoned by a president.