Federal agents with the FBI conducted a raid on the Bethesda, Maryland, residence of former National Security Advisor John Bolton early Friday morning as part of a national security investigation into potential classified materials.
The FBI reportedly arrived at Bolton’s home around 7 a.m., with additional personnel later observed at his Washington, D.C., office removing boxes.
Bolton, who served as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, was present at the office but is not in custody or under arrest, Fox News reports.
The investigation, ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel, focuses on classified information authorities believe Bolton may still possess.
Patel posted on X shortly after the raid began, stating, “NO ONE is above the law…@FBI agents on mission.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added, “Public corruption will not be tolerated,” while Attorney General Pam Bondi commented, “America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued. Always.”
A senior U.S. official said the probe was initially launched several years ago but was paused under the Biden administration for political reasons.
Bolton had previously faced scrutiny for including classified material in his 2020 memoir, “The Room Where It Happened,” which Trump attempted to block.
Federal judges ultimately allowed