The FBI searched the Maryland home of John Bolton, former national security advisor to President Donald Trump, according to the Wall Street Journal.
CNN reporters witnessed FBI agents talking to someone on Bolton's porch, with at least 4 to 6 agents entering the house. Photos from US media outlets also showed several police cars parked outside.
When asked for comment, Bolton said he was unaware of the FBI's actions and was seeking more information.
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Police cars parked outside John Bolton's Maryland home on 22/8. Photo: CNN |
Police cars parked outside John Bolton's Maryland home on 22/8. Photo: CNN
On X (formerly Twitter), former acting Director of National Intelligence Kash Patel said agencies were "executing their duties," but it was unclear whether he was referring to the search. "No one is above the law," Patel stated.
The Wall Street Journal reported the search is part of an investigation into Bolton's suspected illegal possession or sharing of classified documents.
During Trump's first term, the US Justice Department sued Bolton and opened a criminal investigation to determine whether he had illegally disclosed classified information in his memoir. The memoir contained criticisms of the Trump administration. Bolton also clashed with Trump over policies regarding Iran and North Korea. The Biden administration dropped the lawsuit and investigation in 2021.
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Bolton at the White House in 2019. Photo: AP |
Bolton at the White House in 2019. Photo: AP
On his first day back in the White House, Trump revoked the security clearances of dozens of former intelligence officials, including Bolton. Trump also removed Bolton's protective detail, despite US officials warning that Bolton was a target of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Pham Giang (According to AFP, CNN, WSJ)
