The FBI has conducted searches at the residence and office of John Bolton, the former national security adviser to Donald Trump, in a probe that appears focused on the handling of classified materials. Bolton, who has often criticized Trump since his departure from the administration in 2019, previously faced allegations from the White House over his use of classified information relating to his memoir published in 2020. Although the FBI has not elaborated on the reasons for the raid, insiders indicated the investigation is significantly tied to classified documents.
No charges have been levied against Bolton, and he has not been taken into custody. When pressed about the inquiry during a press conference, Trump dismissed further involvement but disparaged Bolton as a "sleazebag." Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance commented that while classified documentation is indeed "part of the investigation," he insisted that the FBI's actions are not politically driven, countering allegations from some Democratic leaders.
In the early hours of Friday, law enforcement vehicles were spotted at Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland, with agents observed carrying boxes into the premises. Upon returning home later that afternoon, Bolton refrained from making a statement to the press.
Bolton's memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," contains sharp critiques of Trump, asserting the president's unfitness for office, which had previously resulted in a legal dispute with the Justice Department over an alleged breach of classified information disclosure protocols. However, that lawsuit was dismissed in mid-2021 after President Joe Biden took office.
Alongside this increasing scrutiny, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized on social media that no individual is above the law, a message echoed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who underscored the nation's commitment to justice and public safety. Bolton, who served as UN ambassador during George W. Bush's presidency, had also seen his Secret Service protection rescinded, a consequence of his conflicts with Trump. In addition to Bolton, other Trump opponents have faced their own legal challenges since his presidency resumed.
No charges have been levied against Bolton, and he has not been taken into custody. When pressed about the inquiry during a press conference, Trump dismissed further involvement but disparaged Bolton as a "sleazebag." Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance commented that while classified documentation is indeed "part of the investigation," he insisted that the FBI's actions are not politically driven, countering allegations from some Democratic leaders.
In the early hours of Friday, law enforcement vehicles were spotted at Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland, with agents observed carrying boxes into the premises. Upon returning home later that afternoon, Bolton refrained from making a statement to the press.
Bolton's memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," contains sharp critiques of Trump, asserting the president's unfitness for office, which had previously resulted in a legal dispute with the Justice Department over an alleged breach of classified information disclosure protocols. However, that lawsuit was dismissed in mid-2021 after President Joe Biden took office.
Alongside this increasing scrutiny, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized on social media that no individual is above the law, a message echoed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who underscored the nation's commitment to justice and public safety. Bolton, who served as UN ambassador during George W. Bush's presidency, had also seen his Secret Service protection rescinded, a consequence of his conflicts with Trump. In addition to Bolton, other Trump opponents have faced their own legal challenges since his presidency resumed.
