Sen. Lindsey Graham called John Bolton's appointment Thursday as national security adviser by President Donald Trump "good news for America's allies and bad news for America's enemies."
"He will do an outstanding job as President Trump's new national security adviser," the South Carolina Republican said in a statement. "He has a firm understanding of the threats we face from North Korea, Iran, and radical Islam."
Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that he has known Bolton for "well over a decade."
He noted that Bolton's term as United Nations ambassador under former President George W. Bush made him "a well-known figure throughout the world.
"I'm excited about working with Mr. Bolton to enhance our national security.
"President Trump could not have made a better choice in terms of having a reliable, seasoned, national security confidante," he said.
Graham also praised outgoing National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who said he would "leave public service" after retiring from the Army this summer.
McMaster, 55, is a three-star lieutenant general who remains on active duty.
"I deeply appreciate Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster's service to President Trump," the senator said. "He has much to be proud of as our national security postures have greatly improved on President Trump's watch.
"He is one of the great national security minds of our time and a terrific patriot," Graham added. "I wish him well in all future endeavors."