On Friday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a raid on the residence and workplace of former national security adviser John Bolton, triggering speculation about the nature of the investigation. Reports indicate that agents searched Bolton’s home in Bethesda, Maryland, and his office in Washington, D.C., focusing on classified materials linked to his tenure in the Trump administration.
Bolton, known as a hardline foreign policy advocate, served as a key advisor during Trump’s first term but was dismissed in 2019. Trump, who once called Bolton a ‘nutjob’ and ‘very dumb person,’ and described his hiring as one of his ‘biggest mistakes,’ has not yet commented on the raid, reportedly learning of it through the media.
The FBI’s actions have drawn attention given Bolton’s history involving the Department of Justice, where the Trump administration had attempted to block the publication of his memoir due to alleged classification violations. However, the Biden administration later dropped the cases in 2021. As the probe continues, concerns about national security and the rule of law remain central to the discussion.
While the DOJ has not issued an official statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X early on Friday: ‘America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always.’ She was responding to FBI Director Kash Patel’s cryptic message: ‘NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission.’ FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also reposted Patel’s comment, adding, ‘Public corruption will not be tolerated.’ Patel previously listed Bolton as part of the US ‘Deep State’ in his 2023 book.
Bolton has frequently clashed with Trump over foreign policy decisions. On his first day back in office this year, Trump revoked the security clearances of over 40 ex-intelligence officials, including Bolton, and stripped him of his security detail. The ongoing investigation into Bolton’s handling of classified documents continues to raise questions about accountability and the potential implications for national security protocols.