Federal agents executed raids on August 22, 2025, at the Maryland residence and Washington, D.C., office of John Bolton, former national security adviser, in connection with an investigation into the handling of classified documents.

The probe, originally opened in 2020, centers on allegations that Bolton transmitted highly sensitive national security material via a private server to his wife and daughter.

Officials suggest the investigation was deprioritised under the prior administration and later revived by the current Department of Justice, with sources describing the evidence as strong.

FBI agents reportedly recovered significant materials during the raids.

The case remains separate from earlier inquiries into Bolton’s 2020 memoir, which had already been assessed for classified content by the National Security Council’s prepublication review process.

Law enforcement officials involved in the investigation have questioned why the case was shelved under the previous administration, with concern that political considerations may have influenced enforcement decisions.

The current FBI director is said to have learned of the matter only after assuming office in early 2025.

While sources indicate the Justice Department does not plan to charge Bolton’s family members, officials assert that sufficient evidence exists to support pursuing criminal charges against Bolton himself.

In advance of the raids, President Trump publicly criticised Bolton, though he stated he had no prior knowledge of the scheduled operation.

The White House has maintained that the raid was lawful and unconnected to political vendettas.

High-profile officials aligned with the current administration, including the FBI director and the vice-president, have voiced support for the operation and emphasised that no individual is above the law.

The broader context includes a series of investigations targeting several former administration figures previously described as political adversaries.