Top Republicans, including House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, have publicly endorsed FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their role in the federal raid on former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s home and office. The action has been framed as part of a broader effort to hold the ‘deep state’ accountable for past abuses of power. Comer, who praised Patel’s commitment to justice, stated that while Bolton’s actions remain under investigation, the integrity of the legal process must be upheld.
The raid on Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office took place early Friday morning, with federal agents reportedly searching for potential classified documents. A source confirmed to Fox News that the investigation centers on whether Bolton possesses sensitive material related to his tenure in the Trump administration. Bolton, who served as national security advisor under Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019, has been a vocal critic of the current administration, particularly after announcing he would not vote for Trump in the November election.
Comer’s comments emphasized the significance of the legal system serving as a check against perceived institutional corruption. ‘NO ONE is above the law,’ Patel tweeted in response to the raid, a statement Comer echoed. Meanwhile, Rep. Rick Crawford, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed concern over the situation but stressed the presumption of innocence for all involved. ‘Nobody is above the law,’ he said, while acknowledging the need for thorough legal proceedings.
While the FBI gave prior notice to committee members, including top Democrats like Rep. Jim Himes, the political implications of the raid have sparked debate. Critics argue that the move could be seen as politically motivated, particularly given the ongoing tensions between the Trump-aligned GOP and mainstream Republicans, such as Comer and Crawford. Meanwhile, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair Rand Paul, a vocal critic of Bolton’s past actions, described the raid as a potential form of justice for the ‘evil’ he has caused.
The raid has also raised questions about the scope of classified information held by former officials and the accountability mechanisms within the executive branch. As the investigation unfolds, the event continues to serve as a focal point in the ongoing discussions about the balance of power between the federal government and its citizens.