Trump’s Former National Security Adviser Indicted on Charges

A federal grand jury in Maryland has indicted former National Security Adviser John Bolton on multiple counts relating to the mishandling of classified information. The indictment, which was announced on Thursday, includes eight counts of transmitting national defense information and ten counts of retaining such information. This legal action underscores the complex relationship between Bolton and Donald Trump, reflecting the risks associated with both opposing and working for the former president.

The charges stem from diary entries that Bolton maintained during his tenure in the Trump administration. Prosecutors allege that Bolton transmitted these entries on eight occasions to “Individual 1” and “Individual 2,” identified as his wife and daughter, both of whom lacked the necessary security clearance to access classified materials. Notably, the indictment does not allege that they mishandled the information.

Bolton is expected to argue that he was entitled to retain a diary for future writing projects, specifically referencing his book, The Room Where It Happened. Historical precedents exist, such as the extensive journal entries kept by former National Security Council adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, which informed his memoir, Power and Principle.

Interestingly, the indictment emphasizes that the information in question did not appear in Bolton’s published work after a review by the White House. This review process is designed to protect national secrets, and Bolton complied with it. Legal experts suggest that prosecutors will have to demonstrate that Bolton was aware his diary notes contained classified information, rather than merely personal recollections that would undergo standard review prior to publication.

The indictment also highlights an incident where one of Bolton’s personal accounts was allegedly hacked by Iranian operatives. Bolton has previously disclosed this information to the FBI and cooperated with the bureau as it investigated a plot by Iran to assassinate him and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. There is currently no evidence to suggest that any information from the hacked emails was used to harm U.S. interests.

In a statement, Bolton asserted, “My book was reviewed and approved by the appropriate, experienced career clearance officials. When my e-mail was hacked in 2021, the FBI was made fully aware.” He added that during the previous administration, no charges were filed against him despite the reviews, framing the current prosecution as retaliatory. Bolton noted that this situation mirrors tactics used by historical figures to silence dissent, citing a quote from Joseph Stalin’s former head of secret police.

The motivation behind this prosecution appears to be linked to Bolton’s public criticism of Trump, particularly following the release of his book, which Trump had called out for allegedly containing classified information. In a statement made in 2020, Trump said, “He released massive amounts of classified, and confidential, but classified information. That’s illegal and you go to jail for that.” Despite these claims, Bolton’s book underwent a thorough vetting process by Ellen Knight, the White House official responsible for reviewing texts for classified content.

While the Biden administration’s Justice Department did not pursue charges against Bolton, the Trump-era FBI raided his office and home in August 2021. Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, expressed confidence that an objective review would clear Bolton of any wrongdoing, emphasizing that the records in question were standard for a career official with decades of experience.

At 76 years old, Bolton has held significant positions within the U.S. government, including roles in the State and Justice Departments, as well as serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. His indictment further complicates the narrative surrounding Trump’s administration, as it adds Bolton to a list of individuals who have faced legal challenges after crossing paths with the former president.

The implications of this indictment are profound, particularly given that Trump was himself indicted for mishandling classified documents after his presidency. The FBI’s search of his Mar-a-Lago estate revealed highly classified materials, which raised concerns about the handling of sensitive information at the highest levels of government. Bolton’s case will undoubtedly draw significant media attention, and as it unfolds, many will be watching to see how the legal proceedings develop and what they mean for the broader political landscape.

Bolton will have the opportunity to defend himself in court, where his legal team is expected to argue that he acted within the bounds of the law. The outcome of this case could set important precedents regarding the handling of classified information by former officials and the potential consequences of political dissent.