BETHESDA, Md. – The FBI searched the Maryland home of former national security adviser John Bolton on Friday morning as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents, according to the Associated Press.
John Bolton’s home searched by FBI: AP
The FBI searched the Maryland home of former national security adviser John Bolton on Friday morning as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents, according to the Associated Press.
Bolton home searched
What we know:
The individual, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity. Bolton was neither detained nor charged, the person said.
Bolton not charged
Messages seeking comment from Bolton’s spokesperson and the White House were not immediately returned. An attorney who previously represented Bolton had no comment Friday.
The Justice Department declined to comment, though agency leaders appeared to refer to the search in a series of cryptic social media posts Friday morning.
Political tensions rise
FBI Director Kash Patel, who in a 2023 book labeled Bolton among “Executive Branch Deep State” figures, posted on X: “NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi reposted the message, adding, “America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always.”
The search of Bolton’s home comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to investigate alleged political opponents, including authorizing a grand jury probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.
Bolton served as President Trump’s third national security adviser for 17 months, frequently clashing with him over policy in Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea.
He later faced scrutiny for his memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which officials claimed revealed classified information. The Justice Department dropped its lawsuit and a related grand jury investigation in 2021.
Bolton’s attorneys said he proceeded with publishing the book after a White House National Security Council official, who had reviewed the manuscript, confirmed it no longer contained classified material.
On his first day back in office this year, President Trump revoked the security clearances of more than 40 former intelligence officials, including John Bolton.
Bolton was one of three former Trump officials whose security details were revoked earlier this year by the president.
The Source: Information in this article comes from The Associated Press.
