FBI raids home of John Bolton, former Trump national security advisor

 

🅑🅨 🅚🅐🅩🅘 🅕🅐🅗🅢🅘🅝, Washington, D.C. – August 22, 2025

Federal agents on Friday carried out early-morning raids on both the Maryland home and Washington, D.C. office of John Bolton, the former national security advisor under President Donald Trump and now one of his fiercest critics. The searches, approved by a federal court, are part of an investigation into the handling of classified information and highlight the sharp deterioration of relations between Trump and his once senior aide.

The operation began around 7 a.m. at Bolton’s Bethesda residence, with FBI agents seen entering and removing materials. At the same time, agents were observed leaving Bolton’s D.C. office carrying boxes and bags. Bolton was not at home during the raid but later appeared at his office building, where he briefly spoke with FBI personnel. Sources close to the matter confirmed that Bolton has not been arrested or charged.

The Justice Department and FBI have not released details about the scope of the inquiry. However, cryptic posts from senior law enforcement officials hinted at the action. FBI Director Kash Patel posted, “NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission.” Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the message, writing, “America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added, “Public corruption will not be tolerated.”

While the exact focus of the investigation is unclear, it is believed to center on whether Bolton improperly retained or disclosed classified national security information. Bolton has faced similar scrutiny in the past: the Trump administration previously pursued a criminal inquiry and civil lawsuit over his 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened. That book, which sharply criticized Trump’s leadership, was initially challenged on the grounds it contained classified information, though it was ultimately published after a judge declined to block it. The Justice Department under President Biden later dropped both cases.

Bolton, a conservative foreign policy figure, was forced out of the Trump administration in September 2019 following disputes over Iran, North Korea, and Afghanistan. Since then, he has been a vocal and relentless critic of Trump. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump said he had no prior knowledge of the raid but remarked that Bolton “could be very unpatriotic and we’re going to find out.”

The raid is the latest in a series of actions the Trump administration has taken against former officials since returning to power. On his first day back in office, Trump revoked the security clearances of dozens of ex-intelligence leaders, including Bolton. More recently, he canceled the security detail once assigned to Bolton and others facing foreign threats.

Analysts warn that the search will fuel concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement, as critics argue the administration is targeting its opponents. As the investigation moves forward, it raises pressing questions about the handling of classified information and whether national security law is being enforced or wielded as a political weapon.

Related questions and answers

Q1: Why did federal agents raid John Bolton’s home and office?
A1: The raids are linked to an investigation into whether Bolton improperly retained or disclosed classified national security materials.

Q2: Has John Bolton been charged with a crime?
A2: No. While federal agents conducted searches, Bolton has not been arrested or formally charged.

Q3: Why is Bolton’s 2020 memoir relevant to this case?
A3: The Trump administration previously argued the book contained classified information, though a court allowed its publication and later investigations were dropped.