Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents searched the Maryland home and Washington, D.C. office of former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton on Friday, intensifying political tensions in Washington. The search, confirmed by the FBI as “court-authorized activity,” is reportedly linked to a national security investigation into the potential release of classified information.
Bolton, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and as national security adviser under Donald Trump, has been one of the most outspoken critics of the president since leaving the White House. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment but told CNN he was unaware of the raid and was seeking more information.
Legal experts note that a federal magistrate judge must approve such a warrant, indicating investigators presented at least some credible evidence of potential wrongdoing. “This is going to be political no matter what,” said Bradley Moss, a national security attorney. “The question is whether this is legitimate or simply political retribution.”
The search adds to a string of aggressive moves by Trump’s administration against political rivals. Since returning to power, Trump has vowed to use the Justice Department against opponents, with federal investigations launched into several Democratic officials, including a U.S. senator, a state attorney general, and most recently a Federal Reserve governor.
When asked about the raid, Trump distanced himself from the operation but disparaged Bolton, calling him “a real low life” and “very unpatriotic.” He added, “We’re going to find out.”
The Justice Department previously pursued Bolton in 2020 over his memoir The Room Where It Happened, alleging it contained classified material. Though a federal judge allowed its publication and the case was later dropped under President Joe Biden, the book’s scathing portrayal of Trump deepened the rift between the two men.
The latest investigation was reportedly ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel, a close Trump ally. Patel, without naming Bolton, posted on X Friday morning: “NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission.”
As the probe unfolds, the raid underscores the fraught intersection of politics, power, and national security in Trump’s second term.
