Referring to blocking Bolton's book, Schumer characterized the action as a "disgrace," adding that "this is what dictatorships do."

The Washington Post reported late last week that Trump would try to block the publication of Bolton's book by arguing that their discussions were classified. Bolton's book emerged as a flashpoint during the Senate's impeachment trial after The New York Times reported that he will claim that Trump tied Ukraine aid to the country helping with investigations into Democrats.

Trump also set off alarm bells among Democrats and some national security professionals when he announced that Grenell will be his second acting director of national intelligence since, who was easily confirmed by the Senate, stepped down last year.has served in the role since August but is required by law to leave the position by March 12.