New developments have emerged in the ongoing investigation into former National Security Advisor John Bolton, revealing that the Trump official may have inadvertently allowed a foreign government access to sensitive classified intelligence when publishing his memoir, “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir,” in 2020.
According to an explosive report by The New York Times, intelligence officials have recently begun to focus on Bolton’s handling of classified information, with evidence suggesting that Bolton may have mishandled these materials during his tenure in the Trump Administration.
Despite claims from political figures and media outlets alleging that the investigation could be politically motivated due to the Trump Administration’s contentious relationship with Bolton, the investigation into Bolton’s actions appears to have gained significant momentum during the Biden presidency.
Intelligence agencies began scrutinizing Bolton’s memoir after obtaining evidence indicating potential violations of classified document handling rules.
The investigation, which began under the Trump Administration, intensified following the transfer of power in January 2021, with new leads coming to light after further examination of Bolton's actions while serving as national security adviser in 2019.
The first credible accusations regarding Bolton's handling of classified materials surfaced in 2020 when the Trump Administration filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the publication of Bolton’s book.
The lawsuit accused Bolton of failing to follow the proper vetting procedures required for government officials publishing works containing sensitive information.
Under the National Security Council's established guidelines, former officials are required to submit manuscripts for review to ensure that no classified information is inadvertently disclosed.
Bolton’s memoir, which recounted his time in the Trump White House, was believed to have violated these rules, as it contained significant details about his time in government, some of which were suspected to be classified.
While the government’s lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in 2021, following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, the judge expressed concerns about the potential harm caused by the publication of Bolton’s book.
Although Lamberth did not block the release of the memoir, ruling that it was too late for such a move, he noted that Bolton “likely published classified materials” and had exposed the United States to harm by revealing sensitive information. In his ruling, Lamberth acknowledged the government's failure to act earlier, which led to the publication’s release.
However, the judge allowed the broader lawsuit to proceed, leaving Bolton vulnerable to further legal challenges.
The focus of the investigation shifted when intelligence officials gathered new evidence that further bolstered claims of misconduct by Bolton. According to sources familiar with the inquiry, U.S. intelligence agencies were able to obtain information from a foreign spy service that indicated Bolton had shared classified materials with individuals outside the proper channels during his time as National Security Advisor.
These emails were reportedly sent by Bolton to various people close to him through an unsecured server. The information contained in the emails was believed to be derived from classified documents that Bolton had accessed during his time working for the Trump Administration in 2019.
The revelation has prompted a renewed focus on Bolton’s actions, leading to recent FBI searches of his office and home residence. Last week, the FBI executed search warrants at both locations, signaling an intensification of the investigation into his mishandling of classified information.
Two federal judges signed off on the warrants after prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Bolton was in possession of classified materials that had been improperly handled.
The FBI’s search indicates that the investigation is no longer focused solely on the allegations surrounding Bolton’s memoir but has broadened to include other potential breaches of national security.
Bolton’s legal troubles have only deepened with the latest developments, and it appears that the former national security adviser is preparing for a protracted legal battle.
Sources close to Bolton have reported that he is in talks to retain high-powered attorney Abbe Lowell, a renowned lawyer with experience representing political figures in high-profile cases.
Lowell, who has previously represented figures such as Hunter Biden and New York Attorney General Letitia James, is well-versed in handling complex legal cases involving prominent political figures.
The decision to bring in a lawyer of Lowell’s caliber indicates that Bolton is taking the investigation seriously and may be preparing for serious legal challenges ahead.
Despite the mounting pressure, Bolton has denied any wrongdoing, and as of now, no formal charges have been filed against him. The investigation is still in its early stages, and Bolton’s legal team is expected to vigorously defend him against any allegations of mishandling classified information.
The FBI’s investigation into Bolton has raised questions about the broader issue of classified document handling by former government officials. While Bolton’s case has received significant attention due to his role in the Trump Administration and his subsequent criticism of the president, it also highlights a recurring issue that has plagued multiple administrations.
The mishandling of classified information has been a persistent problem, with several high-profile figures facing scrutiny for their handling of sensitive materials.
The Clinton email scandal, the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server, and former President Trump’s own issues with classified documents are all part of a broader conversation about the security of classified materials and the potential risks posed by improper handling.
The Bolton investigation, however, is unique in that it involves a prominent figure from the Trump Administration who later became one of its most vocal critics.
Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019, was a strong advocate for hawkish foreign policies, particularly in regard to North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela.
However, he became increasingly disillusioned with Trump’s foreign policy decisions and ultimately left the administration in 2019. Following his departure, Bolton became a vocal critic of the president, publishing his memoir and engaging in public disputes with Trump.
His book, which detailed several behind-the-scenes moments in the Trump White House, became a bestseller but also drew widespread criticism from Trump’s allies, who accused Bolton of betrayal.
The current investigation into Bolton's handling of classified materials could further deepen the rift between the former National Security Advisor and the Trump Administration.
As the investigation continues, Bolton’s reputation as a fierce critic of the president may be overshadowed by the legal questions surrounding his actions.
The ongoing probe also raises concerns about the security of sensitive information and the responsibility of government officials to handle classified materials appropriately.
As the investigation into Bolton’s actions unfolds, it remains unclear whether the former Trump official will face criminal charges for his alleged mishandling of classified documents.
If charges are filed, the legal battle could have significant political ramifications, particularly as it could reignite tensions between the former Trump Administration and its critics.
The case could also raise important questions about the handling of classified materials and the potential consequences of improperly disclosing sensitive information.
For now, Bolton remains under investigation, and the FBI’s searches of his property have only intensified public interest in the case. The investigation into his actions is likely to continue for some time, with more details expected to emerge in the coming months.
As Bolton prepares for what could be a lengthy legal battle, the public will be watching closely to see how the investigation develops and whether any charges are ultimately brought against him.
The outcome of this case may have implications not only for Bolton’s future but also for the broader conversation about the handling of classified information in the United States.
