The FBI on Friday searched the Maryland home of John Bolton, the former national security adviser in Donald Trump’s administration, as part of an ongoing classified documents investigation, according to a person familiar with the matter. Bolton has not been detained or charged with any crimes.
Who is John Bolton?
Bolton, 75, is a veteran Republican foreign policy official who served as Trump’s third national security adviser for 17 months between 2018 and 2019. Known for his hawkish views, he often clashed with Trump over U.S. strategy in Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea.
Before joining the Trump administration, Bolton held senior posts in previous Republican governments, including serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush.
He gained further prominence after leaving Trump’s team when the administration tried to block the release of his 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened, alleging it contained classified information. The book was highly critical of Trump’s foreign policy.
Why was his home searched?
Federal investigators searched Bolton’s home as part of the probe into how classified materials were handled. The search comes months after Trump revoked the security clearances of several former intelligence and security officials, including Bolton, and canceled security details for some.
Officials have not disclosed whether the search relates directly to documents from Bolton’s time in the Trump White House or subsequent activities. Bolton’s spokesperson and lawyer have not commented publicly on the matter.
The investigation adds a new dimension to the growing scrutiny around classified material handling by Trump-era officials and is expected to remain a closely watched legal and political issue.
