The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against John Bolton, the former National Security Adviser under President Donald Trump. According to sources, this action may be presented to a grand jury in Maryland on Thursday.
Background on Bolton’s Investigation
This potential indictment follows revelations of a federal investigation into Bolton’s handling of classified information. Court documents published last month highlighted ongoing inquiries related to this matter. Specific details about the charges have not yet been disclosed.
Previous Indictments and Ongoing Investigations
This move by the Justice Department toward Bolton marks the third indictment of a Trump critic in recent weeks. Earlier, James Comey, the former FBI Director, faced charges related to false statements to Congress and obstruction. Another notable case involves New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is dealing with charges for bank fraud, having previously taken legal action against Trump.
- James Comey: Charged with making false statements and obstruction.
- Letitia James: Facing bank fraud allegations.
Reactions to the Potential Indictment
Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, has not responded to requests for comments and has denied any wrongdoing by his client. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland has also not commented on the ongoing case.
Investigation Details
Prior to the impending indictment, the FBI conducted searches on Bolton’s home and office in August. This investigation primarily aimed at uncovering possible violations of the Espionage Act, which criminalizes the mishandling of national defense information.
- Documents labeled “confidential” relating to weapons of mass destruction were found.
- Two cell phones and various documents titled “Trump I-IV” were seized from Bolton’s residence.
- Records indicated a foreign entity had accessed Bolton’s email account.
Political Context
President Trump has advocated for retribution against his adversaries following his presidency, striving to influence legal actions against critics. This strategy has raised concerns regarding political interference in legal matters, particularly within federal law enforcement.
John Bolton previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and has emerged as one of Trump’s outspoken critics, criticizing him as unfit to hold office in his memoir published last year. The upcoming developments in this case will be closely monitored by legal and political analysts alike.
