John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, has pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information.
The 18 charges stem from allegations he shared or retained sensitive materials, including some characterized as top secret. He entered the plea after surrendering to authorities at a federal court hearing on Friday.
Bolton served during Trump's first administration but departed the White House under contentious circumstances, later becoming one of the president's most vocal public critics.
The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of Trump’s political opponents to face charges in recent weeks. Bolton has stated his intention to defend his lawful conduct.
Bolton, wearing a dark blue suit and maroon tie, did not engage with reporters as he arrived at the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland. He simply stated, Not guilty, your honor, in court. He was released on his own recognizance, with a hearing in the case scheduled for November 21.
Prosecutors have accused Bolton of using personal messaging apps and email to illegally transmit sensitive information. These documents reportedly revealed intelligence about future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign policy relations.
Despite facing such serious allegations, Bolton has maintained that his actions have been lawful. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, mentioned that the entries in question were part of a diary shared only with his family and were unclassified.
This indictment is part of a larger narrative in which several of Trump’s former aides and political adversaries have recently been charged, raising concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department.
Bolton's troubles regarding the treatment of classified information began in 2020 when he attempted to publish a memoir about his tenure. The Justice Department's attempts to block its release were unsuccessful, although a federal judge admonished Bolton for jeopardizing national security.
As the investigation continues under the Biden administration, Bolton's case remains a high-profile example of the complexities surrounding classified information and political accountability.
