The former National Security Advisor to Donald Trump faces federal charges in the United States for retaining and sharing classified documents outside official channels.
John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor during Donald Trump’s first term, was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in the United States for mishandling classified information.
The 76-year-old diplomat becomes the third prominent critic of the Republican president to face criminal charges in recent months.
The indictment follows the Justice Department’s cases against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, both vocal opponents of the administration.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, investigators found that Bolton used personal email accounts to draft and store official documents while serving in the White House.
“John Bolton transmitted top-secret information through personal accounts and kept classified documents at his home, which is a direct violation of federal law,” Patel said.
Bolton, known for his hawkish views on foreign policy, was one of Donald Trump’s most influential advisers until their relationship soured after the publication of his book The Room Where It Happened, portraying Trump as impulsive and unfit to lead. Since then, he has become one of Trump’s most outspoken critics.
In recent interviews, Bolton has described Trump as “unfit to be president” and warned about the dangers of his second term.
Throughout his career, he has also faced death threats from Tehran over his opposition to Iran’s regime, prompting U.S. authorities to bolster his security.
Trump did not mention Bolton directly in his recent Truth Social posts, though he again urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to “prosecute the traitors.” In the past, Trump dismissed Bolton and withdrew his security detail shortly after returning to the presidency in January.
Since reassuming office, the Republican leader has intensified his campaign against dissenters, removing officials, pressuring prosecutors, and cutting federal funding to universities deemed hostile.
The cases against James and Comey were filed by Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-appointed prosecutor, after her predecessor resigned citing insufficient evidence.
