FBI agents executed searches at the residence and workplace of John Bolton, former National Security Adviser under Donald Trump, on Friday, indicating an investigation concerning the treatment of classified documents. Bolton, who has become a significant critic of Trump since resigning from the administration in 2019, has previously faced accusations regarding his misuse of sensitive information. While the FBI has not disclosed full details of the investigation, sources have indicated that it partially revolves around classified documents.
Trump, when queried about the searches, decided not to engage directly, labeling Bolton a "sleazebag" without mentioning specific details about the ongoing inquiry. Bolton has not yet released a statement regarding the situation and has not been taken into custody, nor has he been charged with any crimes.
In an interview, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that classified documents were indeed a component of the investigation but refrained from elaborating on the broader implications regarding Bolton's actions. He emphasized that any charges against Bolton would be contingent on legal violations determined by the investigation, dismissing claims that the probes were motivated by political bias.
Witnesses observed FBI personnel and vehicles at Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland, where they were seen carrying boxes from the premises. Additionally, FBI agents were seen at Bolton's Washington DC office, which supplements the scrutiny he is currently facing. The agency confirmed that they were conducting "authorized activity" in the area.
Bolton is known for his critical memoir, "The Room Where it Happened," published in 2020, which paints a negative picture of Trump's presidency. The justice department previously accused Bolton of breaching an agreement by disclosing classified information in this publication, though the lawsuit was eventually dropped after Biden took office.
On social media, FBI Director Kash Patel shared a post stating, "NO ONE is above the law," though it didn’t directly address Bolton. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that public safety is paramount and that justice must be upheld.
Former officials, including Bolton, who have publicly opposed Trump, have seen their protections rescinded, with Bolton notably criticizing the administration’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Bolton's investigation unfolds, it adds to the trend of investigations targeting Trump's critics, echoing a pattern observed with figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff.
