FBI agents executed searches on the residences and office of John Bolton, a former national security adviser to Donald Trump, as part of a broader investigation concerning classified documents that has drawn sharp responses from political figures on both sides.
**FBI Investigation Targets Trump Insider John Bolton's Properties**
**FBI Investigation Targets Trump Insider John Bolton's Properties**
FBI searches John's Bolton home tied to classified information handling inquiry.
On Friday, the FBI conducted searches at the home and office of John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, amid an investigation into the management of classified materials. Bolton has been critical of Trump since leaving the administration in September 2019, and he previously faced allegations from the Trump White House regarding his handling of sensitive information in his memoir released in 2020, "The Room Where it Happened."
According to sources speaking to CBS News, the inquiry is partially focused on classified documents; however, the FBI has not provided extensive details on the investigation. Bolton has not been detained, nor have any charges been filed against him. In response to this situation, Trump referred to Bolton disparagingly as a "sleazebag," claiming he does not want to involve himself in the investigation and emphasized that he did not directly order the searches.
Vice President JD Vance remarked in an NBC interview that classified documents are definitely part of the inquiry, asserting that the investigation is not politically driven, which has been a concern for some Democratic officials. Vance mentioned that any case against Bolton would occur only if legal violations were established.
On the day of the searches, police and FBI agents were spotted entering Bolton's Bethesda, Maryland home with boxes. Bolton returned home later that afternoon but did not stop to speak with the media. Previous lawsuits by the Justice Department claimed Bolton had breached a non-disclosure agreement concerning classified information, but these actions were ultimately dismissed in June 2021, after Democratic President Biden took office.
Social media commentary from FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "no one is above the law," a statement that, while not directed at Bolton, was echoed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stressed the importance of pursuing justice for national safety. Bolton, who served as UN ambassador during the George W. Bush administration, lost his Secret Service protection following disputes with the Trump administration. Over time, Bolton has also openly criticized Trump’s foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
This investigation of Bolton fits into a larger pattern, as various adversaries of Trump, including figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Senator Adam Schiff, have also faced scrutiny since Trump's return to political prominence.
