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Former national security adviser John R. Bolton was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in Maryland on charges of unlawfully retaining classified information. The 18-count indictment marks Bolton as the third Trump political opponent to face charges, following former FBI Director James B. Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Bolton served in President Trump’s inner national security circle during his first term but later fell out of favor with the president, who criticized him as “war-hungry.” Bolton reciprocated by frequently criticizing Trump in media appearances. Speaking from the Oval Office Thursday, Trump called Bolton “a bad person” and “a bad guy.”
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the investigation revealed Bolton allegedly transmitted top secret information using personal online accounts and retained documents at his home in violation of federal law.
Patel emphasized that the case resulted from meticulous work by FBI career professionals who “followed the facts without fear or favor,” adding that weaponization of justice would not be tolerated.
The indictment charges Bolton with eight counts of transmission of national defense information and ten counts of unlawful retention of such documents. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 180 years in prison, though legal experts suggest he would likely receive a lesser sentence if found guilty.
Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, vigorously defended his client, stating the underlying facts were investigated and resolved years ago. Lowell explained the charges stem from portions of Bolton’s personal diaries spanning his 45-year career, which he described as unclassified records shared only with immediate family and known to the FBI since 2021. “Like many public officials throughout history, Ambassador Bolton kept diaries — that is not a crime,” Lowell stated.
FBI agents raided Bolton’s Bethesda, Maryland office and home in August as part of their investigation. Suspicions arose when Bolton submitted a tell-all book for government national security review in 2019, which contained detailed secret information.
During Trump’s first term, the Justice Department sued Bolton and launched a criminal investigation regarding possible classified information disclosure in his book, which sharply criticized the administration. The Biden Justice Department dropped both the lawsuit and grand jury investigation in 2021.
Bolton has consistently maintained his innocence, characterizing the investigation as Trump weaponizing the Justice Department against perceived enemies.
Since returning to office, Trump has targeted vocal critics, including those involved in lawsuits against his first administration. Earlier this year, Trump revoked Bolton’s Secret Service protection.
Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the indictment, stating it proved “one tier of justice for all Americans” and that anyone jeopardizing national security would be held accountable.
Read more: John Bolton indicted for mishandling classified government materials
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