The U.S. Department of Justice revealed on Thursday that a federal grand jury has indicted former National Security Advisor John Bolton on 18 counts related to mishandling national defense information. The charges comprise eight counts of unauthorized dissemination of classified information and ten counts of illegal retention of secret documents.
According to the official statement, Bolton, aged 76, allegedly transmitted top-secret materials using personal email and messaging accounts, divulging intelligence on potential threats, foreign adversaries, and sensitive diplomatic relations. Furthermore, it is alleged that the former official kept documents at his home detailing information about rival nation leaders and intelligence-gathering methods.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that “there are not two systems of justice in the United States” and affirmed that anyone who abuses power and endangers national security will be held accountable. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the “meticulous work” of agents who conducted the investigation “without fear or favoritism,” warning that the justice system will not be exploited for personal gain.
Kelly O. Hayes, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, remarked that the case underlines her office's dedication to protecting national security. Special agent William J. DelBagno stressed that individuals entrusted with classified information must be held accountable if they breach that trust.
If found guilty, Bolton could face up to 10 years in prison for each of the 18 charges. The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, and the case will be prosecuted by attorneys from the District of Maryland and the National Security Division.
The Department of Justice reminded the public that an indictment is merely an allegation, and Bolton is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a federal court. Bolton served as the third National Security Advisor under Donald Trump, holding the position for 17 months from April 2018 to September 2019.
His tenure was characterized by frequent and intense disagreements with the president on key foreign policy issues, including Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, and notably Venezuela, where Trump accused him of overstepping his bounds. The relationship ended abruptly when Trump publicly demanded his resignation on Twitter.
Their strained relations worsened in June 2020 when Bolton published his controversial memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which chronicled his time as Trump’s National Security Advisor. The book portrays the president as inept and corrupt, detailing what Bolton described as an erratic and sometimes corrupt decision-making process.
The memoir suggests that Trump may have used foreign policy for electoral gain, raising questions about his capability to serve as president.
Key Questions About John Bolton's Indictment
What charges is John Bolton facing?
John Bolton is facing 18 charges, including eight counts of unauthorized dissemination of classified information and ten counts of illegal retention of secret documents.
What could be the potential sentence for Bolton if convicted?
If convicted, John Bolton could face up to 10 years in prison for each of the 18 charges.
What are the allegations against Bolton regarding classified information?
Bolton is alleged to have transmitted top-secret materials via personal accounts and retained documents with sensitive intelligence about foreign leaders and adversaries.