Bolton seen holding legal pad with "5,000 troops to Colombia" written on it
By Kathryn Watson
/ CBS News
National security adviser John Bolton held a legal pad in a White House press briefing Monday with the words "5,000 troops to Colombia" written on it.
Reporters noticed the scribbled note on Twitter, with the first line appearing to say "Afghanistan — welcome to talks." Economic adviser Larry Kudlow turned the notes away from reporters during the briefing.
The note appears to refer to the situation in Venezuela, Colombia's neighbor. The U.S. announced last week it considers Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader of the country's National Assembly, as the legitimate president. More than a dozen other countries followed suit, backing Guaidó over the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Bolton's notes were spotted while he and other officials were announcing the imposition of sanctions against a state-owned Venezuelan oil company.
The White House has not ruled out the use of military force if the situation in Venezuela deteriorates further. Asked for comment on Bolton's note, a White House spokesperson replied, "As the president has said, all options are on the table."
On Sunday, Bolton warned Maduro that violence against U.S. diplomatic personnel, Guaidó or the National Assembly would prompt a "significant response" from the U.S.
Colombia is a U.S. ally and shares a 1,300-mile border with Venezuela.
First published on January 28, 2019
© 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Kathryn Watson 
Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital.
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