Federal agents conducted a raid early Friday morning at the Maryland home of former National Security Adviser John Bolton. According to multiple government sources, the search began at approximately 7:00 a.m. and was carried out by FBI agents who executed a court-approved search warrant. Agents were later seen entering Bolton’s Washington, D.C. office, removing boxes and black bags of material.
Reason for the Search
Officials confirmed the raids are tied to an ongoing investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents. Investigators are looking into whether Bolton retained or improperly stored national security materials after leaving his role in the Trump administration. While the search is significant, Bolton has not been arrested, is not in custody, and faces no charges at this stage.
Background on John Bolton
John Bolton served as national security adviser under President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019. He previously worked as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and held senior positions in several Republican administrations. Bolton is widely known for his hawkish foreign policy views and for authoring The Room Where It Happened, a memoir that sparked disputes over whether it contained classified information.
Official Oversight and Approval
Searches of this nature require approval from multiple layers of government. The FBI obtained a search warrant from a federal judge after presenting evidence to justify the action. Senior members of the House Intelligence Committee were briefed in advance, and the Department of Justice signed off on the operation. Attorney General Pam Bondi was reportedly informed prior to the raid.
Statements From Officials
FBI Director Kash Patel appeared to acknowledge the raid on social media, writing on X: “NO ONE is above the law. FBI agents on a mission.” Attorney General Bondi also posted that “America’s safety is not negotiable” and vowed that “public corruption will not be tolerated.” These statements, though not naming Bolton directly, coincided with the timing of the search.
Reaction From the White House
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump said he was not directly involved in the investigation and emphasized he did not want to interfere with Justice Department decisions. He reminded reporters that his own home at Mar-a-Lago had been subject to an FBI raid in 2022. Trump also reiterated his past disagreements with Bolton but said he expected to be briefed later.
Vice President Vance’s Remarks
Vice President JD Vance confirmed in a television interview that Bolton is the subject of an ongoing investigation. He stressed that the inquiry was focused on evidence, not politics. “If there is no crime here, we’re not going to prosecute it,” Vance said. “If there is a crime, Ambassador Bolton will get his day in court. Our focus is on whether the law was broken.”
Scenes Outside Bolton’s Home
Reporters stationed outside Bolton’s Bethesda residence observed a small crowd forming during the raid. Some drivers honked horns in protest, and one individual held a sign accusing the FBI of political motives. Others expressed support for the search, underscoring the high-profile nature of the case.
Bolton’s Status
As of Friday afternoon, John Bolton had not released a public statement regarding the raid. Attempts to reach him directly by phone and through associates went unanswered. Sources confirmed he has been cooperative with authorities and was not taken into custody during the searches.
Broader Context
This is not the first time Bolton has faced scrutiny over classified information. His 2020 memoir prompted the Justice Department to pursue legal action, though that case was later dropped. More recently, his security clearance was revoked, and his government-funded security detail was removed, though he maintained private protection due to past threats from Iran.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The FBI is expected to review the materials collected during the raid, a process that could take weeks or months. If investigators determine laws were broken, the evidence may be presented to a grand jury. At this time, no formal charges have been filed, and officials stress that the inquiry remains in its early stages.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
Find more articles like this at steadfastandloyal.com.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
