John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, has pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information. The 18 charges stem from allegations that he shared or retained sensitive materials, some categorized as top secret. Bolton entered the plea after surrendering to authorities at a federal court hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland.
During Trump's first administration, Bolton had a tumultuous departure from the White House and has since become a vocal critic of the former president. The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of Trump’s political opponents to face charges in recent weeks. He has stated his intention to fight these accusations, asserting his conduct was lawful.
Bolton appeared in court in a dark blue suit and maroon tie. After stating, Not guilty, your honor, he was released on his own recognizance, with a hearing scheduled for November 21. Prosecutors allege that Bolton misused personal messaging apps and email to illegally transmit classified information, which included intelligence regarding future attacks and foreign policy relations.
Bolton’s attorney defended his actions as lawful, arguing that the diary-like entries were intended for family and known to the FBI since 2021. He also stated that this case represents a misuse of the Justice Department by Trump to target his opponents. Bolton faced scrutiny regarding classified information in 2020 when he attempted to publish a memoir about his White House experience, resulting in a legal dispute over whether it contained sensitive material. Despite being investigated during the Biden administration, he was not charged at that time.
While Trump has publicly criticized Bolton and even suggested he should be jailed, Bolton's indictment follows other politically charged legal actions initiated by the Trump administration against perceived political adversaries.
During Trump's first administration, Bolton had a tumultuous departure from the White House and has since become a vocal critic of the former president. The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of Trump’s political opponents to face charges in recent weeks. He has stated his intention to fight these accusations, asserting his conduct was lawful.
Bolton appeared in court in a dark blue suit and maroon tie. After stating, Not guilty, your honor, he was released on his own recognizance, with a hearing scheduled for November 21. Prosecutors allege that Bolton misused personal messaging apps and email to illegally transmit classified information, which included intelligence regarding future attacks and foreign policy relations.
Bolton’s attorney defended his actions as lawful, arguing that the diary-like entries were intended for family and known to the FBI since 2021. He also stated that this case represents a misuse of the Justice Department by Trump to target his opponents. Bolton faced scrutiny regarding classified information in 2020 when he attempted to publish a memoir about his White House experience, resulting in a legal dispute over whether it contained sensitive material. Despite being investigated during the Biden administration, he was not charged at that time.
While Trump has publicly criticized Bolton and even suggested he should be jailed, Bolton's indictment follows other politically charged legal actions initiated by the Trump administration against perceived political adversaries.
