The former National Security Adviser, John Bolton, is now at the center of a criminal investigation following an FBI raid that resulted in the seizure of his personal electronics and confidential documents. The raid, which took place at Bolton's residence in Bethesda, Maryland, and his Washington, D.C. office, has sparked new controversy over the handling of classified materials by government officials.
"The warrant revealed Bolton is being investigated for violating the Espionage Act of 1917. That law prohibits the unauthorized removal or possession of national defense information."
The public inventory from the raid details the FBI's confiscation of three computers, two iPhones, and numerous documents. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, federal prosecutors are considering criminal charges against Bolton for mishandling classified documents. Among the seized items were two USB drives, a hard drive, and four boxes containing "printed daily activities," as well as folders labeled "Trump I – IV" and a binder marked "statements and reflections to allied strikes."
Central to the investigation is the potential violation of the Espionage Act of 1917, a law that prohibits unauthorized removal or possession of national defense information. Furthermore, Bolton may also be in breach of laws concerning the hoarding of classified materials. This development comes after Bolton, once an ally of former President Trump, turned critical of him and has since been scrutinized for his handling of sensitive information.
The controversy initially emerged in 2020 when the Trump administration sued to block the release of Bolton's book, "The Room Where It Happened," alleging failure to complete the mandatory National Security Council vetting process for former officials' publications. Although U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth criticized Bolton for likely publishing classified materials, the lawsuit was dismissed in 2021 under the Biden administration.
New evidence has emerged to reignite concerns. Reports indicate that U.S. intelligence intercepted communications from a foreign spy service suggesting Bolton shared classified emails in 2019. These emails were purportedly sent via an unsecured server to Bolton's associates during his tenure in the Trump administration. It is also suspected that some of the documents Bolton took with him were later accessed by a hostile foreign nation.
While Bolton has not been arrested, the Espionage Act carries a potential penalty of up to 25 years in federal prison. The raid and subsequent investigation have cast a shadow over Bolton's credibility and judgment, with the FBI indicating that the evidence will undergo further review for possible action.
