FBI agents executed searches at the home and office of John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, amid an investigation concerning classified information. Bolton, who has vocally opposed Trump since resigning in 2019, has previously been accused by the Trump administration of mishandling classified data in relation to his 2020 memoir detailing his experiences in the White House. Although sources indicated that the inquiry involves classified documents, the FBI has refrained from providing extensive details about the nature of the investigation.
While Bolton has yet to make a public statement regarding the searches, he has not been arrested nor faced any charges. In a casual remark to reporters, Trump expressed disinterest in becoming entangled in the investigation but labeled Bolton as a “sleazebag,” distancing himself from the searches. Vice-President JD Vance suggested that the inquiry centers on classified materials but emphasized it wouldn't proceed unless proof of law-breaking emerges, countering claims of political bias behind the investigation.
On the day of the searches, law enforcement made their presence known at Bolton’s Bethesda residence in Maryland, carrying boxes into the property. Meanwhile, FBI personnel were also seen at his office in Washington D.C. Bolton arrived home later in the day but opted to ignore questions from the media. His memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," took a strikingly critical stance on Trump, asserting that the president was unfit for office and highlighting instances of misconduct.
In 2020, the Justice Department accused Bolton of violating agreements concerning classified information disclosures, but the suit was dropped by mid-2021 as President Biden took office. The discussions around Bolton’s investigation coincided with FBI Director Kash Patel’s assertion on social media that "NO ONE is above the law," further reiterating the department's commitment to ensuring justice. Although Bolton served as a UN ambassador under George W. Bush, he has been under fire within the Trump administration, which stripped many former officials, including Bolton, of their Secret Service protection. Furthermore, Bolton has raised concerns regarding the U.S. administration's approach toward the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing inquiry.
While Bolton has yet to make a public statement regarding the searches, he has not been arrested nor faced any charges. In a casual remark to reporters, Trump expressed disinterest in becoming entangled in the investigation but labeled Bolton as a “sleazebag,” distancing himself from the searches. Vice-President JD Vance suggested that the inquiry centers on classified materials but emphasized it wouldn't proceed unless proof of law-breaking emerges, countering claims of political bias behind the investigation.
On the day of the searches, law enforcement made their presence known at Bolton’s Bethesda residence in Maryland, carrying boxes into the property. Meanwhile, FBI personnel were also seen at his office in Washington D.C. Bolton arrived home later in the day but opted to ignore questions from the media. His memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," took a strikingly critical stance on Trump, asserting that the president was unfit for office and highlighting instances of misconduct.
In 2020, the Justice Department accused Bolton of violating agreements concerning classified information disclosures, but the suit was dropped by mid-2021 as President Biden took office. The discussions around Bolton’s investigation coincided with FBI Director Kash Patel’s assertion on social media that "NO ONE is above the law," further reiterating the department's commitment to ensuring justice. Although Bolton served as a UN ambassador under George W. Bush, he has been under fire within the Trump administration, which stripped many former officials, including Bolton, of their Secret Service protection. Furthermore, Bolton has raised concerns regarding the U.S. administration's approach toward the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing inquiry.
