The FBI executed court-authorized searches at the Maryland home and Washington office of former Trump national security advisor John Bolton on August 22, 2025, as part of a criminal investigation into the potential mishandling of classified information, raising concerns about political motivations and retribution.
John Bolton, who served as national security advisor from 2018 to 2019 under President Donald Trump, is the subject of this probe. After his dismissal, Bolton became a vocal critic of Trump and authored a book that previously sparked legal disputes over classified content. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, conducted the searches with Justice Department oversight.
The operation involved FBI agents searching Bolton’s residential property in Bethesda, Maryland, and his professional office in Washington, D.C. The focus is on whether Bolton improperly handled or disclosed classified information, potentially related to his book or other post-government activities.
The searches occurred on the morning of Friday, August 22, 2025, with news reports confirming the events throughout the day. Bolton was not present at his home during the search but was later seen at his office building interacting with FBI personnel.
The locations targeted were Bolton’s home in Bethesda, a suburb near Washington, D.C., and his office in the capital city. These sites are associated with Bolton’s current work and residence following his government service.
The investigation revisits concerns from 2020 when the Justice Department under Trump attempted to block Bolton’s book, ‘The Room Where It Happened,’ alleging it contained classified information. Although that case was dropped in 2021, the current administration has resumed the probe, possibly influenced by Bolton’s criticism of Trump and broader political dynamics.
The searches were authorized by a federal magistrate judge based on probable cause of a crime. FBI agents executed the warrants, seizing materials and conducting interviews as part of standard procedure. Bolton has not been arrested or charged, and the process aligns with legal protocols for such investigations.
This event has sparked significant debate about the potential weaponization of law enforcement for political purposes. Critics argue it represents retribution against Trump’s opponents, while supporters maintain it is a legitimate action to uphold national security laws. It echoes previous high-profile cases, such as the search at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, and could impact public perception of justice and fairness in government.
Moving forward, the investigation will continue with prosecutors reviewing evidence to determine if charges are warranted. Bolton may engage in legal defenses similar to past disputes, and the outcome could set precedents for how classified information is managed by former officials. Political repercussions are expected, especially amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and its critics.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-08-22/john-bolton-fbi-search