The FBI has executed a court-authorized search at the residence of former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, as part of a significant national security investigation. This information comes from a source familiar with the situation. Reports from CNN indicate that FBI personnel were observed at Bolton's home in the Washington, D.C., area, engaging with an individual on the porch before entering the house.
During the operation, it was noted that at least four to six agents entered the residence, bringing bags from their vehicles inside. However, no items were seen being removed from the property. When contacted by CNN, Bolton expressed his surprise at the FBI's activity, stating that he was looking into the matter further. The initial report of the search surfaced in the New York Post on Friday.
In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that agents were "on mission," though it remains unclear whether this statement was directly related to the search at Bolton's home. He emphasized, "NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission." Despite the ongoing investigation, the FBI has chosen not to comment further on the operation.
The investigation pertains to the potential retention of national security information, according to the source familiar with the inquiry. John Bolton last held a government position in 2019 when he was dismissed by President Donald Trump during his first term in office. Trump has frequently criticized Bolton, referring to him as a "fired loser" and questioning his credibility.
Notably, Trump terminated Bolton's Secret Service detail shortly after taking office for his second term in January. The tensions between the former president and his ex-adviser escalated further following the release of Bolton's 2020 book, where he claimed Trump lacked knowledge on foreign policy and was fixated on his media image. The book also alleged that Trump solicited assistance from the leaders of Ukraine and China for his 2020 election campaign.
It remains uncertain whether the current probe relates to the aforementioned book or involves other sensitive materials. Bolton's memoir included content that had initially been approved for publication by established officials at the White House. However, political appointees under Trump attempted to revoke that approval, leading to scrutiny over whether Bolton "unlawfully disclosed classified information."
In 2021, after the investigation into Bolton was initiated, officials under President Joe Biden closed the inquiry and dismissed a related lawsuit concerning the book’s publication. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has been accused of pursuing a campaign of retribution against various political opponents, including former officials, members of Congress, and prosecutors who took action against him while he was out of office.
In a related development, Patel recently declassified and released internal FBI interview notes from a former House Intelligence Committee staffer. This staffer had previously accused former Representative Adam Schiff of orchestrating illegal leaks of classified information regarding Trump and Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing feud between Trump and Schiff.
Additionally, the Justice Department has initiated a grand jury investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James this month, focusing on the civil actions she has pursued against Trump and the National Rifle Association. The intertwining of these investigations highlights the complex and contentious political landscape surrounding former President Trump and his associates.
