Ex-Trump Adviser John Bolton Indicted over Handling of Classified Documents
Published: 16 Oct 2025, by Abby Rogers, AP and Reuters
A federal grand jury in Maryland has indicted John Bolton, former national security adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, over his handling of classified documents. Bolton is accused of retaining and transmitting national defence information in violation of the Espionage Act. The indictment was filed in federal court on Thursday and includes:
- Eight counts of transmission of national defence information
- Ten counts of retention of national defence information
Each count carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, although sentencing will be at the judge’s discretion.
Bolton’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, maintains that Bolton “did not unlawfully share or store any information.” Bolton had previously served as U.S. ambassador to the UN and became a sharp critic of Trump, describing him as unfit to be president in his memoir.
Details from Indictment & FBI Search
Two months ago, FBI agents searched Bolton’s home and office for evidence. Seized items included:
- Cellphones
- Folders labelled “Trump I-IV”
- Binder marked “statements and reflections to Allied Strikes”
- Documents referencing weapons of mass destruction and US-UN communications
The indictment alleges Bolton transmitted classified material using personal email and private messaging. He is accused of sharing over 1,000 pages of information with relatives, and of having his personal email hacked by a “cyber actor” tied to Iran after leaving government.
Bolton’s legal counsel says the charges stem from personal diaries and notes, kept over his 45-year career, which were unclassified and only shared with family, and that the FBI was aware of these as far back as 2021.
White House and Political Context
President Trump, asked about the indictment, said: “He’s a bad guy.” Bolton served as Trump’s national security adviser (2018–2019) before being fired over policy disagreements. Bolton later published a book, The Room Where It Happened, which was reviewed for classified content by the National Security Council.
Related Political Legal Proceedings
- New York Attorney General Letitia James indicted for alleged mortgage fraud
- Former FBI Director James Comey indicted for false statements and obstruction
- Ongoing DOJ investigations into Sen. Adam Schiff and Fed Governor Lisa Cook
Links for More Information
- US media return Pentagon passes under new rules
- Insurrection Act: Presidential authority explained
- Trump approves CIA operations in Venezuela
Read the full report on Al Jazeera.