The FBI conducted searches on Friday at the residence and office of John Bolton, former national security adviser to Donald Trump, amid an ongoing investigation into his management of classified information. Bolton, who has emerged as a prominent critic of Trump since his departure from the administration in 2019, has faced allegations regarding his handling of sensitive documents since publishing his 2020 memoir, which contained disparaging remarks about the former president.
While the FBI has remained tight-lipped regarding specifics, insiders revealed to CBS News that the inquiry's focus revolves around possible breaches involving classified matters. Bolton has yet to issue a public statement regarding the investigation and has not been taken into custody, nor have any formal charges been made against him. Trump, when addressing reporters, distanced himself from the inquiry but labeled Bolton a "sleazebag," emphasizing he did not initiate the searches.
Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with NBC News, acknowledged that the investigation definitely pertains to classified documents, while hinting at broader concerns surrounding Bolton’s actions. He asserted that any potential case against Bolton would only proceed if sufficient evidence of legal violations emerges, dismissing claims of the investigation being politically driven.
On the scene, federal agents were spotted at Bolton's residence in Bethesda, Maryland, where they transported boxes into the home. Concurrently, FBI personnel were also active at Bolton's Washington DC office. Although Bolton returned home later on Friday, he refrained from engaging with reporters present outside.
Bolton gained notoriety for his 2020 publication, 'The Room Where it Happened,' in which he criticized Trump's capabilities, deeming him "unfit to be president." The Trump administration once accused Bolton of breaching an agreement by disclosing classified information, but the case was dropped in 2021 under President Joe Biden's administration.
As the investigation unfolds, FBI Director Kash Patel remarked via X, asserting, "no one is above the law," a statement echoed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who affirmed the necessity of pursuing justice for the nation's safety. Bolton, previously serving as the UN ambassador under George W. Bush, had his Secret Service protection revoked by Trump and has openly criticized the current administration's approach towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The implications of this investigation extend further, as several of Trump's critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Senator Adam Schiff, have also encountered legal scrutiny since Trump assumed office again.
While the FBI has remained tight-lipped regarding specifics, insiders revealed to CBS News that the inquiry's focus revolves around possible breaches involving classified matters. Bolton has yet to issue a public statement regarding the investigation and has not been taken into custody, nor have any formal charges been made against him. Trump, when addressing reporters, distanced himself from the inquiry but labeled Bolton a "sleazebag," emphasizing he did not initiate the searches.
Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with NBC News, acknowledged that the investigation definitely pertains to classified documents, while hinting at broader concerns surrounding Bolton’s actions. He asserted that any potential case against Bolton would only proceed if sufficient evidence of legal violations emerges, dismissing claims of the investigation being politically driven.
On the scene, federal agents were spotted at Bolton's residence in Bethesda, Maryland, where they transported boxes into the home. Concurrently, FBI personnel were also active at Bolton's Washington DC office. Although Bolton returned home later on Friday, he refrained from engaging with reporters present outside.
Bolton gained notoriety for his 2020 publication, 'The Room Where it Happened,' in which he criticized Trump's capabilities, deeming him "unfit to be president." The Trump administration once accused Bolton of breaching an agreement by disclosing classified information, but the case was dropped in 2021 under President Joe Biden's administration.
As the investigation unfolds, FBI Director Kash Patel remarked via X, asserting, "no one is above the law," a statement echoed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who affirmed the necessity of pursuing justice for the nation's safety. Bolton, previously serving as the UN ambassador under George W. Bush, had his Secret Service protection revoked by Trump and has openly criticized the current administration's approach towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The implications of this investigation extend further, as several of Trump's critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Senator Adam Schiff, have also encountered legal scrutiny since Trump assumed office again.
