FBI agents conducted searches at both the home and office of John Bolton, former national security adviser to Donald Trump, on Friday, focusing on alleged mishandling of classified information. Bolton, who has emerged as a prominent critic of Trump since his resignation from the administration in 2019, has previously faced accusations related to the misuse of sensitive documents in his memoir.
While no formal charges have been filed against him as of yet, sources familiar with the investigation indicated it pertains primarily to classified documents. The FBI did not offer extensive commentary on the search, simply describing it as "authorized activity" in the area. Reports show law enforcement agents seen at Bolton’s Bethesda, Maryland residence and within his office in Washington, D.C., carrying out activities related to the investigation.
Trump himself has chosen not to engage deeply with the matter, referring to Bolton disparagingly, but insisted he did not order the agent searches. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance commented that classified documents form a core part of the investigation without clarifying any specifics. He stressed that the FBI’s inquiry should not be interpreted as politically driven, countering speculation from some Democratic figures.
Bolton’s past includes significant criticisms of Trump, especially in his 2020 memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," where he described Trump as unfit for office. Notably, Bolton faced a lawsuit from the Justice Department for revealing classified information, though it was ultimately dropped in 2021.
As the investigation continues, broader implications concerning accountability and treatment of former officials who have opposed the Trump administration may arise. Additionally, Bolton has addressed his perspectives on U.S. foreign policy, questioning Trump’s strategies involving Russia and Ukraine.
While no formal charges have been filed against him as of yet, sources familiar with the investigation indicated it pertains primarily to classified documents. The FBI did not offer extensive commentary on the search, simply describing it as "authorized activity" in the area. Reports show law enforcement agents seen at Bolton’s Bethesda, Maryland residence and within his office in Washington, D.C., carrying out activities related to the investigation.
Trump himself has chosen not to engage deeply with the matter, referring to Bolton disparagingly, but insisted he did not order the agent searches. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance commented that classified documents form a core part of the investigation without clarifying any specifics. He stressed that the FBI’s inquiry should not be interpreted as politically driven, countering speculation from some Democratic figures.
Bolton’s past includes significant criticisms of Trump, especially in his 2020 memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," where he described Trump as unfit for office. Notably, Bolton faced a lawsuit from the Justice Department for revealing classified information, though it was ultimately dropped in 2021.
As the investigation continues, broader implications concerning accountability and treatment of former officials who have opposed the Trump administration may arise. Additionally, Bolton has addressed his perspectives on U.S. foreign policy, questioning Trump’s strategies involving Russia and Ukraine.
