He has now been indicted: former national security adviser and outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump John Bolton has been charged with withholding information related to national defense. Bolton's lawyer denied that his client had committed a crime, and Bolton himself spoke of a deliberate attempt by Trump to intimidate his political opponents: “I am now the latest target in an attempt to use the Justice Department as a weapon against people he considers enemies,” he said.
The indictment was preceded by an investigation into Bolton on suspicion of misuse of classified information. In August, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents searched Bolton's home and office and seized, among other things, documents classified as confidential. This is precisely what has now given the jury reason to indict him, German public broadcaster ARD reported.
Third indictment against Trump critic
For the third time in the past few weeks, the Justice Department has indicted a critic of the US president. During the election campaign, Trump announced that he would retaliate against his opponents and repeatedly pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring such charges. This has recently happened to former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Observers see the actions against Bolton as a show of force by the White House.
Regarding the indictment, Bondi said: “Anyone who abuses their power and threatens our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.“
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the federal police investigation has found that Bolton disseminated top-secret information through personal online accounts and stored these documents at his home. And this is in direct violation of federal laws, the news agencies write.
From trusted advisor to Trump critic
Bolton was national security adviser during Trump's first term. After a dispute with the president, the long-time diplomat with solid foreign policy experience resigned after about a year and a half in the post, after a dispute with the president. He then became a harsh critic of Trump, and later in his book described Trump as unfit to hold office. Bolton recently criticized Trump again for his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Shortly after entering the White House for the second time, Trump withdrew Bolton's personal security from the Secret Service. This secret service is responsible for protecting high-ranking politicians and takes care of the security of both current and some former high-ranking government officials. A similar investigation against Trump - for misappropriation of classified documents - was closed after his election victory in November 2024, ARD also recalls.