John Bolton, the former national security adviser to Donald Trump, has surrendered to federal authorities in Maryland to face multiple charges related to mishandling classified information. The 18 count indictment accuses Bolton of sharing and retaining sensitive government materials, including files marked as top secret. Bolton, who served during Trump’s first term, left the White House after a bitter split and later became one of the former president’s strongest critics. His surrender on Friday marks a major development, making him the third of Trump’s political opponents to face prosecution in recent weeks.
Arriving at the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, Bolton avoided answering questions from reporters. He is expected to appear before a federal judge for his initial hearing and may undergo fingerprinting and a booking photo, according to US media reports. Federal prosecutors allege that Bolton used personal messaging apps and private email accounts to transmit classified information. The materials reportedly contained intelligence on foreign adversaries, possible future attacks, and diplomatic operations. Prosecutors claim Bolton’s use of unsecured communication channels put national security at risk. Bolton has denied wrongdoing and said he would continue to defend his lawful conduct. He has accused Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department against political rivals, arguing that the charges distort facts and revive accusations previously dismissed.
John Bolton Faces Federal Charges Over Handling of Classified Information
The indictment further alleges that Bolton shared diary-like notes with two unnamed individuals and that his email account was compromised by a cyberattack linked to a hacker associated with Iran. That breach allegedly exposed classified materials he had stored digitally. Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, defended his client’s actions, saying the documents in question were unclassified and shared only within his immediate family. Lowell also said federal investigators had been aware of the materials since 2021. The indictment represents a formal grand jury accusation, which authorizes the case to proceed toward trial if prosecutors can substantiate the evidence. John Bolton’s handling of sensitive information has drawn scrutiny since 2020, when he sought to publish his memoir detailing his time in the Trump administration. The Justice Department initially attempted to block publication, arguing that the book might reveal classified details. A federal judge allowed the release but criticized Bolton, saying he had gambled with national security. The investigation into Bolton continued under President Joe Biden’s administration, including an FBI search of his home and office in August, confirming the probe remained active. Trump has repeatedly attacked Bolton in public statements and social media posts, accusing him of releasing confidential details and calling for his prosecution. When Trump returned to power, he revoked Bolton’s security clearance and removed his protective detail, extending the move to other political critics. The indictment against John Bolton follows a pattern of legal action against figures once closely associated with Trump but later turned critics, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
