FBI agents conducted simultaneous searches at the Maryland home and Washington office of former National Security Adviser John Bolton early Friday, escalating a criminal investigation into the alleged mishandling of classified information and potential unauthorized disclosures. The raids, ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel and authorized by federal magistrates, mark the most significant public action against a prominent Trump critic since the president’s return to office in January 2025. Bolton, who served under Trump from 2018 to 2019, has not been charged but faces scrutiny over his 2020 memoir The Room Where It Happened and broader accusations of leaking sensitive national security information.
The probe focuses on whether Bolton retained classified documents after leaving the White House and shared them with unauthorized parties, including media outlets. This investigation revives a 2020 Justice Department inquiry that was shelved during the Biden administration for lack of prosecutorial merit, according to former officials. Federal agents seized electronic devices and paper records during the searches, which Patel described as part of a mission to ensure "NO ONE is above the law" in a social media post shortly after the raid began.
Critics, including legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, argue the raid reflects Trump’s pattern of weaponizing justice against perceived enemies. Bolton has been a vocal Trump critic since his 2019 ouster, condemning the president’s foreign policy approaches, particularly his recent Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Bolton called a victory for Moscow. The timing is conspicuous: Patel, whom Bolton opposed for FBI director, previously labeled Bolton a "deep state" operative in his 2023 book, and Trump revoked Bolton’s Secret Service protection in January 2025.
Trump claimed ignorance of the raid during a public appearance Friday, stating he saw it "on television this morning" and would be briefed later. He emphasized deference to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Patel, noting, "I don’t want to know about it… but you have to do what you have to do". This mirrors traditional Justice Department independence protocols, though Trump’s history of targeting critics, including arrests of Democratic officials and investigations into political rivals fuels skepticism about the probe’s legitimacy.
The case underscores ongoing tensions between national security protocols and political retribution. Bolton’s book underwent prepublication review in 2020, with a National Security Council official initially clearing it before a second review flagged classified material. A federal judge ultimately allowed publication but accused Bolton of "gambling with national security". The current investigation expands beyond the book to include alleged leaks during the Biden administration, suggesting a broader effort to scrutinize Bolton’s activities across multiple years.
Reactions split along partisan lines: Republicans like House Oversight Chairman James Comer framed the raid as "accountability," while Democrats warned of authoritarian tactics. Internationally, the action may strain relations with allies, particularly given Bolton’s role as a former UN ambassador and his advocacy for hawkish foreign policies. The raid also coincides with Trump’s escalating conflicts with intelligence agencies; he revoked security clearances for dozens of former officials, including Bolton, on his first day back in office.
Bolton’s legal team is expected to challenge the search warrants’ validity, potentially arguing selective prosecution. The Justice Department must demonstrate probable cause to avoid perceptions of political bias, especially after prior investigations yielded no charges. With Trump pledging to "purge" the government of opponents, this case could test institutional resilience against the weaponization of law enforcement.