Former National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted for Mishandling Classified Information

A federal grand jury in Maryland has indicted John Bolton, former National Security Adviser under President Donald Trump, on 18 counts related to the mishandling of classified information. The charges include eight counts of unlawful transmission and ten counts of unlawful retention of national defense information.

The indictment alleges that Bolton used personal email and messaging accounts to transmit sensitive documents classified up to Top Secret to individuals without security clearances. Additionally, he is accused of retaining classified documents at his residence, which contained intelligence on foreign adversaries and sensitive sources and methods.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "There is one tier of justice for all Americans. Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law."

Bolton's attorney, Abbe Lowell, defended his client, asserting that the charges stem from personal diaries over his 45-year career, which are unclassified and shared only with immediate family. Lowell stated, "Like many public officials throughout history, Ambassador Bolton kept diaries – that is not a crime."

If convicted, Bolton faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count, totaling up to 180 years.

The investigation into Bolton's handling of classified information began during the Biden administration, following concerns from the intelligence community about potential disclosures.

Bolton, who served as National Security Adviser from 2018 to 2019, has been a vocal critic of President Trump since his departure from the administration.