Congressional Democrats on Thursday were quick to condemn President Trump Donald John TrumpBubba Wallace to be driver of Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin NASCAR team Graham: GOP will confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the election Southwest Airlines, unions call for six-month extension of government aid MORE's decision to name former United States Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton as his next national security adviser.

Trump tweeted early Thursday evening that Bolton, the hawkish former Bush administration official, will take over for H.R. McMaster beginning April 9.

“I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, @AmbJohnBolton will be my new National Security Advisor. I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job & will always remain my friend," Trump tweeted.

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McMaster, an Army lieutenant general, will retire from the military, a White House official said.

Bolton served as under secretary of State in the years leading up to the Iraq war, and was appointed U.N. ambassador in 2005. He will be Trump's third national security adviser.

Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the pick, and many noted Bolton's role in the Bush administration leading up to the Iraq War. Some expressed concerns over how he might influence U.S. policy toward Iran and North Korea.

Rep. Seth Moulton Seth MoultonThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Markey defeats Kennedy; Trump lauds America's enforcers in Wisconsin Moulton fends off primary challenges in Massachusetts Portland: The Pentagon should step up or pipe down MORE (D-Mass.) called the pick “another step backwards” and a cause for concern over national security.

Another step backwards for an administration already going full throttle in reverse. If you’re worried about our national security today, you should be more concerned about it tomorrow. https://t.co/R7hgtBvs24 — Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) March 22, 2018

Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) called Bolton a “dangerous radical” and a “disturbing nomination.”

John Bolton is a dangerous radical. He has spent his career pushing fringe conspiracy theories and undermining key alliances around the world. He was even too extreme for the Bush administration. I strongly oppose this disturbing nomination and urge the President to reconsider. https://t.co/0Xue5NTVgA — Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) March 22, 2018

Rep. Betty McCollum Betty Louise McCollumOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump extends Florida offshore drilling pause, expands it to Georgia, South Carolina | Democrats probe Park Service involvement in GOP convention | Sanders attacks 'corporate welfare' to coal industry included in relief package Democrats probe Park Service involvement in GOP convention Overnight Energy: EPA chief outlines vision for agency under 'Trump's second term' | Agency sued over decision not to regulate chemical linked to fetal brain damage MORE (D-Minn.) said the choice “puts our national security at risk,” and warned Bolton could “lead us into war with Iran & North Korea.”

.@AmbJohnBolton is a discredited architect of the Iraq War whose reckless views could lead us into war with Iran & North Korea. The Bolton appointment puts our national security at risk.https://t.co/vOrLVxhjOJ — Rep. Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) March 22, 2018

Here's how some other congressional Democrats responded to Bolton joining the Trump administration:

John Bolton is being rewarded for selling the lie of WMDs in Iraq and peddling hatred of Muslims with the position of national security advisor. Trump continues to put our country at imminent risk of unnecessary war by hosting this hatred. https://t.co/cVINNMUeMH — Congressmember Bass (@RepKarenBass) March 22, 2018