Former national security adviser John Bolton was indicted this week on multiple criminal counts tied to the alleged mishandling of classified material. The Justice Department says Bolton kept and shared national defense information after leaving office, including some marked “Top Secret.”
The 18-count indictment is one of the most serious ever brought against a former national security official. Even legal analysts on CNN admitted the details look bad for Bolton.
The Charges
According to the indictment, Bolton faces the following charges:
- Eight counts of unlawful transmission of national defense information, for allegedly sending classified notes and documents to unauthorized recipients through personal email and messaging accounts
- Ten counts of unlawful retention of national defense information, for allegedly keeping classified papers and notes at his home and in personal files
- The materials reportedly included intelligence assessments, diplomatic communications, and references to covert operations
- Prosecutors say Bolton knowingly used insecure channels to share sensitive information, a violation of federal law
- Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison
The indictment accuses him of sharing more than a thousand pages of notes with family members and keeping additional materials that should have been turned over to the government. Bolton pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance.
Analysts Agree It’s Bad News for Bolton
Even liberal legal commentators have said the indictment is unusually strong. Career prosecutors, not political appointees, handled the case. The documents include specific examples suggesting Bolton knew he was breaking classification rules.
Legal experts note that prosecutions under the Espionage Act are difficult for defendants to win, since intent can often be inferred from the nature of the evidence. In this case, prosecutors say Bolton acknowledged in messages that the material was classified, yet shared it anyway. Bolton, obviously, knew better.
The case also carries symbolic weight. As a critic of President Trump, Bolton has tried to position himself as a defender of principle. Now, he faces the same type of charges he once said others deserved.
What Happens Next
Bolton’s legal team is expected to challenge the charges, possibly arguing that the materials were personal notes or that the government overclassified them. Still, analysts say the strength of the case makes it unlikely to be dismissed quickly.
If convicted, Bolton could face years in prison, though sentences in similar cases have often been reduced through plea deals. Either way, the cat is out of the bag, and it’s now documented that Bolton, in preparation for his book deal, was mishandling classified information.
Whatever the outcome, the Bolton indictment is a reminder that in many cases, the ones hurling the most insults at Trump are themselves guilty of things they accuse him of.