Federal Bureau of Investigation agents conducted a raid at the Bethesda, Maryland residence of John Bolton, former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, on August 22. The raid is part of a longstanding national security inquiry focused on Bolton’s handling of classified materials and possible disclosures linked to his 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened.
The investigation, which began during the Trump administration and was reportedly dormant during the Biden presidency, has recently been resumed under FBI Director Kash Patel. Patel emphasised through social media that “no one is above the law,” underscoring the seriousness of the probe. Several FBI agents were also seen conducting searches at Bolton’s office in Washington, D.C., later on the same day.
The security investigation coincides with Bolton’s recent vocal criticism of the US government’s decision to impose heavy tariffs on India for importing Russian oil. Bolton, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance and ongoing critique of Washington’s dealings, has increasingly become a controversial figure.
President Donald Trump commented on the raid, stating that he was unaware of the operation beforehand and expressed disdain for Bolton, calling him a “lowlife”. Trump’s reaction reflects the bitter personal and political rift that developed after Bolton’s departure from the administration in 2019.
No charges have been filed against Bolton as of now, and he was not taken into custody during the searches. The FBI has not disclosed full details of the evidence sought but indicated the inquiry targets classified documents and possible leaks. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed Patel’s message, affirming that justice and public safety remain non-negotiable priorities.
The raid adds to a series of high-profile investigations targeting critics and opponents of the former president, intensifying debates over the use of government authority and political retaliation. Bolton’s legal challenges stem from allegations of improper disclosures in his memoir, which disclosed sensitive information about Trump’s foreign policies and decision-making processes.
