FBI agents conducted coordinated searches at the Maryland home and Washington office of John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor and outspoken critic of ex-President Donald Trump, as part of a national security investigation into potential classified information leaks. The Friday operation marks the latest escalation in tensions between Trump-era officials and their successors.
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed authorities are examining whether Bolton criminally mishandled sensitive materials. The FBI acknowledged conducting "court-authorized activity" but declined to specify charges. Bolton, who served as Trump’s UN ambassador and national security advisor before becoming a vocal administration critic, told CNN he was unaware of the searches beforehand.
This development follows a pattern of legal actions against Trump opponents since 2017, raising questions about the intersection of national security protocols and political rivalries. Analysts suggest the probe could impact U.S. foreign policy credibility in Asia, where Bolton previously shaped strategies toward the DPRK and cross-strait relations.
"This isn’t just about documents – it’s about how internal U.S. conflicts might ripple through Asia’s geopolitical landscape," said a Washington-based analyst speaking anonymously.
