Federal agents descended on former National Security Adviser John Bolton’s Maryland residence early Friday morning in a dramatic escalation of a classified documents investigation that has simmered for years.
The FBI conducted a court-authorized search at Bolton’s Bethesda home at 7 a.m., while agents simultaneously executed a warrant at his Washington D.C. office. The high-profile raid represents a striking turn in the legal saga surrounding Bolton’s controversial 2020 memoir, “The Room Where It Happened.”
John Bolton, 26th United States National Security Advisor
Investigation Targets Explosive Tell-All Book
The probe centers on a “national security investigation in search of classified records,” examining multiple instances of classified documents potentially used in leaks to news media. Bolton’s memoir, which earned him a reported $3 million advance, contained damaging allegations about Donald Trump’s presidency, including claims that Trump “pleaded” with Chinese President Xi Jinping to buy American agricultural products to help his reelection.
The book’s publication sparked fierce legal battles during Trump’s first term. The Trump administration sought to block release, contending Bolton had breached nondisclosure agreements and endangered national security. Despite government efforts, a federal judge allowed publication in June 2020, and the book sold 780,000 copies in its first week.
Patel Issues Cryptic Warning as Raid Unfolds
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X early Friday: “NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission”, without directly referencing the operation. Attorney General Pam Bondi added: “America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always.”
NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 22, 2025
The timing carries particular significance given Bolton’s history with the current administration. Trump stripped Bolton’s security protections in January, along with those of other political adversaries. Bolton was also named on the “Members of the Executive Branch Deep State” list in a book published by now-FBI Director Kash Patel.
From Ally to Adversary
Bolton served as Trump’s National Security Adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, but their relationship soured dramatically. Trump said on September 10, 2019, that he fired Bolton the prior evening, writing: “I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration“.
The memoir painted an unflattering portrait of Trump’s presidency. Bolton described a “shockingly erratic and ignorant president who asked foreign leaders for help with his own reelection” and detailed Trump’s suggestion that China should proceed with concentration camps for Uighur minorities.
Legal Battles and Security Concerns
During Trump’s first administration, the Department of Justice investigated Bolton over classified information and unsuccessfully pursued legal action to stop publication and prevent him from profiting. In 2021, during the Biden administration, the Justice Department dropped its civil case against Bolton, and NBC News reported the department had closed a criminal investigation.
However, the probe, which involves classified documents, was first launched years ago, but the Biden administration shut it down “for political reasons,” according to a senior US official. The revival under Trump’s second term suggests renewed focus on potential security violations.
Bolton’s security situation adds another layer of complexity. In 2022, an Iranian national was charged in connection with a plot to assassinate Bolton, making Trump’s decision to remove his protection detail particularly controversial.
Political Reactions Pour In
House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford called the FBI raid “troubling” on Friday, stating: “While all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the news of this situation is incredibly troubling“.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer said he did not believe the action was retribution: “I don’t think this is retribution, I think this is accountability. We’ll see if, for no reason, they raided his house just to embarrass John Bolton“.
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Investigation Continues
Bolton was not detained and has not been charged with any crimes. Efforts to obtain comment from Bolton’s office following the FBI raid have been met with silence, with calls going unanswered and straight to voicemail.
The search represents a significant escalation in what has become a years-long saga over classified information handling. In theory, the statute of limitations for criminally disclosing classified information is five years, meaning potential charges could still be viable for material from Bolton’s time in office.
As federal agents continue processing evidence seized from both locations, the case highlights ongoing tensions over classified document handling and the boundaries between national security and political accountability in Washington.
