The FBI conducted a search at the home and office of John Bolton, a former national security adviser to Donald Trump, on Friday. This action is part of an investigation focused on the handling of classified information. Bolton, who has vocally criticized Trump since departing from the administration in 2019, previously faced accusations from the White House regarding his use of classified information in his memoir about his tenure, titled "The Room Where it Happened."
While specific details of the investigation remain unconfirmed, sources told CBS News that classified documents are indeed under scrutiny. Bolton has not yet responded to the investigation publicly, and no criminal charges have been brought against him. When asked about the matter, Trump stated he did not wish to comment but called Bolton a "sleazebag," claiming he had not ordered the FBI actions.
Vice President JD Vance noted in an interview with NBC News that classified materials are a key aspect of the investigation, emphasizing the FBI's stance that any charges would come only if Bolton is found to have violated laws. He added that the investigation is not politically motivated as some Democratic figures have suggested.
Witnesses reported seeing FBI personnel and law enforcement vehicles at Bolton's Bethesda, Maryland home, as well as at his Washington DC office. The FBI confirmed they were conducting "authorized activity" in the vicinity. Bolton returned home later that day but did not engage with reporters gathered outside.
Bolton gained notoriety for his memoir, published in 2020, where he strongly criticized Trump, asserting that the former president is "unfit" for the office. The Justice Department previously accused him of breaching an agreement not to disclose classified information, although the lawsuit was dropped in June 2021.
Amid these developments, FBI Director Kash Patel suggested on social media that "no one is above the law," while Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of pursuing justice. Following his departure from the Trump administration, Bolton had his Secret Service protection revoked, along with other officials who were critical of the president. Furthermore, Bolton has publicly questioned Trump’s policies regarding international conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia.
With ongoing investigations into other Trump adversaries, the political landscape remains charged, and the implications of Bolton’s situation could reverberate beyond the FBI's current inquiry.
While specific details of the investigation remain unconfirmed, sources told CBS News that classified documents are indeed under scrutiny. Bolton has not yet responded to the investigation publicly, and no criminal charges have been brought against him. When asked about the matter, Trump stated he did not wish to comment but called Bolton a "sleazebag," claiming he had not ordered the FBI actions.
Vice President JD Vance noted in an interview with NBC News that classified materials are a key aspect of the investigation, emphasizing the FBI's stance that any charges would come only if Bolton is found to have violated laws. He added that the investigation is not politically motivated as some Democratic figures have suggested.
Witnesses reported seeing FBI personnel and law enforcement vehicles at Bolton's Bethesda, Maryland home, as well as at his Washington DC office. The FBI confirmed they were conducting "authorized activity" in the vicinity. Bolton returned home later that day but did not engage with reporters gathered outside.
Bolton gained notoriety for his memoir, published in 2020, where he strongly criticized Trump, asserting that the former president is "unfit" for the office. The Justice Department previously accused him of breaching an agreement not to disclose classified information, although the lawsuit was dropped in June 2021.
Amid these developments, FBI Director Kash Patel suggested on social media that "no one is above the law," while Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of pursuing justice. Following his departure from the Trump administration, Bolton had his Secret Service protection revoked, along with other officials who were critical of the president. Furthermore, Bolton has publicly questioned Trump’s policies regarding international conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia.
With ongoing investigations into other Trump adversaries, the political landscape remains charged, and the implications of Bolton’s situation could reverberate beyond the FBI's current inquiry.
