The former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, has been charged with 18 counts related to the mishandling of classified information, according to a federal indictment. The charges include eight counts of transmitting national defense information and 10 counts of unlawful retention of such materials, marking a significant legal development for the 76-year-old former White House official.
The indictment alleges that Bolton used personal email accounts and messaging applications to share sensitive documents classified as high as Top Secret, including intelligence about future attacks, foreign adversaries, and diplomatic relations. Additionally, he is accused of retaining classified materials at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, which reportedly included details on an adversary’s leaders and sources of intelligence.
If convicted, Bolton could face up to 10 years in prison for each count, with a federal judge determining the final sentence after considering sentencing guidelines. The case was investigated by the FBI, which stated that Bolton violated federal law by failing to safeguard classified information entrusted to him.
The indictment comes amid heightened scrutiny of how national security officials handle sensitive data. A probable cause warrant unsealed last month revealed that some communications from Bolton’s personal AOL email account were exposed to foreign entities after a cyber intrusion. Federal agents conducted searches of Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office in August as part of the investigation.
The case has drawn attention for its implications on national security protocols and the accountability of former officials. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that “no one is above the law,” while FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the agency’s commitment to protecting classified information.
Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, had previously denied possessing any classified documents after leaving office. The charges now threaten his legal and professional legacy, with prosecutors pursuing severe penalties for what they describe as a breach of duty.
The case remains under investigation by the FBI Baltimore Field Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Sullivan and Robert Goldaris leading the prosecution. A federal grand jury returned the indictment on Thursday, marking the latest chapter in a legal battle over the handling of sensitive national security data.