Sources allege the operation is part of a significant investigation involving classified materials
The FBI has conducted raids at the residence and office of John Bolton, the prominent foreign policy advocate and former national security adviser to US President Donald Trump, as reported by multiple outlets on Friday. The New York Post, which was the first to break the story, indicated that these searches are part of a high-profile inquiry into the management of classified documents.
Bolton, widely recognized for his advocacy of regime change as a foreign policy instrument for the US, served under Trump for 18 months during his initial term before being dismissed in September 2019. Trump later disparagingly referred to him as a “nutjob,” “loser,” and “very dumb person,” also stating that hiring him was one of his “biggest mistakes.”
Trump has claimed he had no prior knowledge of the raids, learning about them solely from television news.
Reports detail that FBI agents searched Bolton’s home in Bethesda, Maryland, and his Washington, DC, office during the early hours of Friday. Footage circulating online depicted agents in what appeared to be his front yard and outside his office, loading items into vehicles. Bolton was reportedly observed in his office lobby speaking with two individuals wearing FBI vests.
🚨 BREAKING: Federal agents are RIGHT NOW in John Bolton’s home “going through things” following an early morning FBI RAID in the DC area over national security concerns.
Yes. We did, indeed, vote for this.
This is Bolton’s primary residence.
“This deals with classified…
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh)
The investigation reportedly centers on whether Bolton currently possesses classified documents from his tenure in office, particularly those associated with his 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened. The US Justice Department (DOJ) during the Trump administration attempted to prevent the book’s publication, asserting it contained classified content. A federal judge eventually permitted its release, and the Biden DOJ dropped both the criminal and civil cases in June 2021.
🚨 BREAKING: FBI agents are now at JOHN BOLTON’S OFFICE in Washington DC after the raid on his home in Bethesda.
“A couple of FBI agents loading some stuff into cars…”
They’re gathering ALL of it. Kash and Dan were right. Accountability is here.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh)
Bolton has not been detained and has not yet faced charges, according to reports, and neither his representative nor the White House has reportedly provided comment.
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 enigmatic 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 identified Bolton as part of the US “Deep State” in his 2023 book.
Bolton has frequently disagreed with Trump regarding foreign policy. On his first day back in office this year, Trump revoked the security clearances of over 40 former intelligence officials, including Bolton, and removed his security detail.