Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton was indicted on 18 counts related to the improper handling of classified materials, Fox News Digital has learned. The indictment, which details Bolton’s alleged activities, outlines charges including the transmission of National Defense Information and retention of classified documents.
According to the indictment, Bolton was indicted on eight counts of transmission of National Defense Information and ten counts of retention of National Defense information. The indictment states that from on or about April 9, 2018, through at least August 22, 2025, Bolton allegedly abused his position as National Security Advisor by sharing more than a thousand pages of information about his day-to-day activities, including classified material up to the TOP SECRET/SCI level, with unauthorized individuals.
The documents included intelligence about future attacks by adversarial groups, liaison partners sharing sensitive information with the U.S. intelligence community, intelligence on foreign adversaries’ missile launches, covert actions, and intelligence on the knowledge of adversary plans for attacking U.S. Forces. The FBI raided Bolton’s home in August 2024, where they seized computers, hard drives, and various documents as part of their investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that the investigation was based on meticulous work and that no one is above the law. Attorney General Pam Bondi also affirmed the principle of equal justice under the law, highlighting that anyone who abuses their position of power and jeopardizes national security will be held accountable.
Following the indictment, the Justice Department under the Trump administration had previously attempted to block the publication of Bolton’s 2020 memoir due to fears of classified information. However, the Biden administration later abandoned these legal actions in 2021, ending the inquiry at that time. The case has since been revived, leading to the current charges. Bolton’s attorneys claimed that a senior career official conducted a thorough review of the book, finding no classified information.
Bolton’s tenure as a national security advisor came to an end in 2019 when he was dismissed by Trump due to policy disagreements. Since then, Bolton has both supported and criticized Trump, including his handling of classified documents and military actions. The FBI’s investigation has expanded beyond the initial concerns regarding the memoir, indicating a broader probe into his alleged mishandling of classified information. The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of former officials’ handling of sensitive information, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases, including former President Trump’s own indictment related to classified documents.
Bolton’s attorney has not yet commented on the latest indictment, but the case continues to draw significant attention, highlighting the importance of national security protocols and the legal consequences of their breach. As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge, particularly regarding the extent of the classified information involved and any potential implications for national security and policy.