Credited from: NEWSWEEK
The FBI executed a search of John Bolton's home on Friday morning in Bethesda, Maryland, as part of a national security investigation related to the handling of classified documents. The operation commenced around 7 a.m. and was ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel, a high-profile figure from the Trump administration, who previously emphasized on social media that “NO ONE is above the law,” a statement that many interpreted as directed toward Bolton's situation, according to Times of India and South China Morning Post.
The investigation into Bolton has raised concerns about potential political motivations, given his status as a leading critic of Trump since departing the administration in 2019. Bolton has publicly described Trump as “unfit” for office and vocally criticized various aspects of his foreign policy, as noted by ABC News and BBC.
During the raid, agents were also reported to be present at Bolton's Washington, D.C. office, further indicating the scope of the investigation into his alleged mishandling of classified documents. Bolton has not been charged with any crimes nor detained, as revealed by Los Angeles Times and Reuters.
In defense of the investigation's legitimacy, Vice President JD Vance indicated that the FBI’s inquiry should run its course and reiterated that law enforcement actions are intended to be driven by legal standards, not political gains, according to NPR. Meanwhile, amidst the unfolding events, Trump stated he had no prior knowledge of the raid, dismissing Bolton as a “real sort of a lowlife” during media interactions, highlighting the animosity that has characterized their relationship, as per reports from Newsweek and Al Jazeera.