On Friday, FBI agents conducted searches at the residence and office of John Bolton, who formerly served as Donald Trump's national security adviser. This operation appears to be part of an ongoing investigation into the handling of classified information. Bolton, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, has been a staunch critic of Trump since his departure from the administration in 2019.
John Bolton has faced accusations from the Trump administration regarding the misuse of classified information, particularly in relation to his 2020 memoir, The Room Where it Happened. This book details his experiences during his tenure in the Trump administration, where he openly criticized the president's fitness for office. The FBI has not released extensive details about the investigation; however, sources close to the situation informed CBS News that it is indeed linked to classified documents.
When asked about the investigation, Donald Trump refrained from delving into specifics, labeling Bolton a "sleazebag." Trump also clarified that he did not personally authorize the searches conducted by the FBI. In a recent interview with NBC News, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the investigation involves classified documents. He noted that the FBI would only pursue charges if they found evidence that Bolton had violated the law, insisting that the investigation was not politically motivated, despite claims from Democratic politicians.
On the morning of the search, law enforcement vehicles and FBI agents were spotted at Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland. Witnesses observed agents carrying boxes into the property, indicating the seriousness of the investigation. Additionally, FBI personnel were seen at Bolton's office in Washington, D.C. Following the searches, Bolton returned home but did not engage with reporters waiting outside.
In 2020, Bolton's memoir, The Room Where it Happened, garnered significant attention for its critical portrayal of Trump, where he claimed, "a mountain of facts" illustrate the president's unworthiness for office. The Justice Department previously accused Bolton of breaching an agreement by disclosing classified information in his book, but this lawsuit was ultimately dropped in June 2021 after Joe Biden assumed the presidency.
As the investigation unfolds, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the principle that "no one is above the law," although his statement did not specifically mention Bolton. Attorney General Pam Bondi supported this message, stating, "America's safety isn't negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always." Bolton, who previously served as the UN ambassador under George W. Bush, had his Secret Service protection revoked by the Trump administration in January, along with several other former officials who had criticized Trump.
Furthermore, Bolton has expressed public concern regarding the Trump administration's approach to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Trump's animosity towards Bolton is well-documented, as he has accused him of advocating for military interventions abroad during his tenure as national security adviser. This investigation into Bolton is part of a broader pattern, as other Trump critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff from California, have also faced legal scrutiny since Trump's return to office.
