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Sunday, Sep 07, 2025
Outside the box.
Here’s What the FBI Seized in John Bolton Raid — and the Legal Risks He Faces
In a renewed national-security investigation, the FBI confiscated multiple electronic devices and folders from the home and office of former National Security Adviser John Bolton. He now faces potential charges under the Espionage Act.
Federal agents executed court-authorized searches on August twenty-second at the Bethesda, Maryland home and the Washington, D.C. office of John Bolton, former National Security Adviser.
The searches are part of a revived criminal investigation into the alleged mishandling of national security materials.
Court documents released in early September detail the items seized in the raid.
Agents confiscated multiple electronic devices—including two cell phones, three computers (including a Dell XPS laptop and a Dell Precision tower), two USB thumb drives, and a hard drive—along with physical documents.
Among the papers were boxes of printed daily activity sheets, folders labeled “Trump I–IV,” and a binder titled “Statements and Reflections to Allied Strikes.” Authorities were authorized to collect both marked and unmarked material potentially linked to classified records or national defense information.
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The investigation centers on potential violations of the Espionage Act and related statutes concerning the unauthorized retention or transmission of national defense information.
If convicted on all counts, Bolton could face up to twenty-five years in prison.
:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The case was initially shelved during the previous administration but was reopened under the supervision of FBI Director Kash Patel following a review earlier this year.
His actions reflect a broader commitment to applying rigor and transparency in national security investigations.
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Bolton, who has since returned to public life, vigorously critiques the current administration.
His legal counsel argues that the materials seized are routine records from a long public service career and contain nothing improper.
:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
As it stands, no charges have yet been filed.
Prosecutors are carefully reviewing the evidence while maintaining that the investigation remains active and focused on national security and the rule of law.
The searches are part of a revived criminal investigation into the alleged mishandling of national security materials.
Court documents released in early September detail the items seized in the raid.
Agents confiscated multiple electronic devices—including two cell phones, three computers (including a Dell XPS laptop and a Dell Precision tower), two USB thumb drives, and a hard drive—along with physical documents.
Among the papers were boxes of printed daily activity sheets, folders labeled “Trump I–IV,” and a binder titled “Statements and Reflections to Allied Strikes.” Authorities were authorized to collect both marked and unmarked material potentially linked to classified records or national defense information.
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The investigation centers on potential violations of the Espionage Act and related statutes concerning the unauthorized retention or transmission of national defense information.
If convicted on all counts, Bolton could face up to twenty-five years in prison.
:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The case was initially shelved during the previous administration but was reopened under the supervision of FBI Director Kash Patel following a review earlier this year.
His actions reflect a broader commitment to applying rigor and transparency in national security investigations.
:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Bolton, who has since returned to public life, vigorously critiques the current administration.
His legal counsel argues that the materials seized are routine records from a long public service career and contain nothing improper.
:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
As it stands, no charges have yet been filed.
Prosecutors are carefully reviewing the evidence while maintaining that the investigation remains active and focused on national security and the rule of law.
