The investigation into former National Security Adviser John Bolton has escalated, with the Justice Department presenting evidence to a federal grand jury in Maryland. The core of the investigation focuses on allegations that Bolton transmitted highly classified materials using his private AOL email account during his time in office from 2018 to 2019.
Key documents under scrutiny include records labeled Secret and Confidential concerning weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, personal notes resembling a diary may contain further classified information. Prosecutors assert that Bolton willingly mishandled national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act of 1917.
On social media, Politico reporter Josh Gerstein detailed the unfolding situation, noting the arrival of individuals appearing to be prosecutors and FBI agents at the federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. He reported that Thomas Sullivan, the top national security prosecutor in the area, also entered the grand jury room. This activity suggests significant movement in a case that may result in Bolton facing serious charges.
The pursuit of charges under the Espionage Act has garnered attention, with some commentators calling for Bolton to face prison time for what they view as a betrayal of national security. The pressure mounted as Bolton, already a critic of former President Trump, has continued to engage in public discourse through interviews and a memoir.
Evidence against Bolton includes claims that he retained notes, classified memos, and digital files that the National Security Council explicitly instructed him to return. Notably, Bolton allegedly misled investigators during his debriefing by stating that he had no notes from his tenure. However, the NSC later uncovered documents that contradicted his claims.
Although the Biden Administration initially halted the investigation into Bolton, FBI Director Kash Patel revived the inquiry. This led to a court-authorized raid on Bolton’s home in Maryland and his office in Washington, D.C., on August 22, 2025. Agents seized multiple devices, including computers, flash drives, and cellphones, along with boxes of documents labeled “Trump I-IV” and a binder titled “statements and reflections to Allied Strikes.”
Unsealed court documents have revealed that Bolton stored classified information addressing critical national security issues, including those related to WMDs and communications from the United Nations. The affidavit used for the search warrant referenced potential violations of the Espionage Act, alongside statutes governing the unauthorized transmission and retention of national defense information.
The implications of this investigation are significant, particularly in light of Bolton’s previous position within the Trump administration. The tension between the former adviser and the former president may further complicate perceptions of Bolton’s actions.
As more details emerge, the focus remains on the potential legal consequences Bolton could face. With prosecutors actively moving forward and a grand jury involved, the situation is evolving rapidly. The scrutiny of Bolton’s actions reflects broader concerns about the handling of classified information and national security, placing him at the center of a contentious legal battle.
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