The FBI conducted raids on the home and office of John Bolton, a former national security advisor and vocal critic of Donald Trump. The raids were reportedly related to an investigation into the alleged misuse of classified documents.
FBI agents searched Bolton's office in downtown Washington D.C. and his private residence in Maryland, removing boxes of materials. The FBI stated the actions were "court-authorised." Agents arrived at Bolton's home at 7 a.m. local time.
The search of Bolton's office concluded around 1:45 p.m. local time, with agents loading evidence boxes into vehicles. Bolton was seen leaving the building shortly after in an SUV with tinted windows. He has not been detained or charged.
Neither Bolton's spokesperson, the White House, nor a lawyer who has represented Bolton immediately responded to requests for comment. When asked about the raids, Trump stated he was unaware of them and described Bolton unfavorably.
The Justice Department has not commented on the raids. However, some officials in Trump's administration made cryptic references to the search on social media. Kash Patel posted on X, "NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission," while Attorney-General Pam Bondi shared the post, adding, "America's safety isn't negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always."
Bolton has recently been critical of Trump's attempts at negotiating with Vladimir Putin. During the raids, Bolton commented on ongoing peace talks in Ukraine. He served as Trump's national security advisor for 17 months and had disagreements with him on various foreign policy issues.
The raids are believed to be part of an investigation into Bolton's handling of classified information. Trump and others have previously suggested that Bolton used classified documents to write his 2020 book, which was critical of the president.
American media have characterized the raids as the latest action against Trump's rivals. In 2021, the Justice Department under Joe Biden dropped a lawsuit and a grand jury investigation into Bolton. Earlier this year, Trump revoked Bolton's security clearances and cancelled his security detail.
4 Comments
Habibi
Seems like the FBI is just trying to intimidate anyone who dares speak against the establishment.
ZmeeLove
Bolton may be a critic, but this is just another example of government overreach.
Muchacho
This proves that no one is safe when you have a government that uses its power to silence critics.
Mariposa
Bolton's comments against Trump shouldn't shield him from legal scrutiny. Let's keep the focus on the law!