FBI Raids Home and Office of Former National Security Adviser John Bolton
WASHINGTON — In a bold move by the Justice Department, the FBI conducted searches on Friday at the Maryland home and Washington office of former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton. This operation is part of a criminal investigation into the potential mishandling of classified information, as disclosed by a reliable source.
Bolton, a well-known foreign policy advocate who turned into a vocal critic of President Donald Trump post his dismissal in 2019, has not faced any charges and was not detained during the search, according to the source who shared details with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
These searches represent a significant step taken by the Justice Department against a high-profile critic of Trump, raising concerns that the administration might be leveraging law enforcement powers against its political opponents.
Trump, addressing the media during an unplanned stop at the White House, acknowledged being aware of the raids but stated that he preferred not to interfere. “I could know about it. I could be the one starting it. I’m actually the chief law enforcement officer. But I feel that it’s better this way,” Trump remarked.
For the FBI to search Bolton’s property, authorization from a federal magistrate judge was required, although specifics of the warrant are not yet known.
Previously, the Justice Department had looked into Bolton regarding allegations that his memoir in 2020 contained classified information. However, the case was closed under the Biden administration in 2021.
Witnesses saw Bolton entering his Washington office building during the search on Friday, engaging briefly with FBI agents. Observers noted that agents were carrying bags into the building through a rear entrance. Despite multiple requests, Bolton’s representatives did not provide any comments.
While the Justice Department declined to comment, senior officials hinted at the searches on social media. FBI Director Kash Patel, who had previously labeled Bolton as part of the “Executive Branch Deep State,” posted on X: “NO ONE is above the law.” Attorney General Pam Bondi shared the post, emphasizing that “America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always.”
Vice President JD Vance dismissed claims of political retribution, stating to NBC News that prosecutors were simply following the law.
“If there’s no crime here, we’re not going to prosecute it. If there is a crime here, Ambassador Bolton will get his day in court,” Vance affirmed.
Bolton served as Trump’s third national security adviser for 17 months, frequently clashing with the president on matters concerning Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea. His book, “The Room Where It Happened,” depicted Trump as ill-informed and conspiratorial, leading to vehement denials from the president, who referred to Bolton as a “crazy” warmonger.
Before his role in the Trump administration, Bolton had served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush and held significant positions in the Reagan administration.
These searches come amidst ongoing investigations by the Justice Department into other prominent critics of Trump, such as Sen. Adam Schiff of California and New York Attorney General Letitia James, prompting concerns among Democrats about selective targeting.
They also bring to mind the FBI’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022, which uncovered classified documents but resulted in charges that were later dropped. — Agencies
