Federal agents searched John Bolton’s Bethesda home and Washington office last week, reviving a years-old inquiry into whether the former national security adviser mishandled classified material.
The investigation gained new traction under the Biden administration after intelligence agencies reviewed information supplied by a foreign adversary’s spy service, the New York Times reported.
Federal judges approved warrants permitting agents to search Bolton’s properties after prosecutors argued they had grounds to believe he retained material tied to intercepted communications, according to people familiar with the matter.
No charges have been filed.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X, “NO ONE is above the law.”
Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the message, adding, “Public corruption will not be tolerated.”
The Justice Department under Trump tried to block the release of Bolton’s memoir in 2020, arguing it revealed sensitive information.
A judge indicated classified details may have been disclosed but allowed publication to proceed. The criminal inquiry then quieted until years later, when new intelligence from foreign intercepts prompted fresh action.
