The FBI raided the home of John Bolton, former US national security adviser and outspoken critic of Donald Trump, on Friday morning in Washington DC.
The search was carried out as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents, according to the Associated Press, which cited an unnamed source.
The operation, which began around 7am ET, was first reported by the New York Post. Bolton, who was not at home at the time, was later seen at his Washington office speaking to FBI agents wearing visible “FBI” vests.
FBI search begins at 7am in Maryland
CNN reported that FBI officers were observed near Bolton’s residence in Maryland during the search, while the Associated Press confirmed that the raid involved a federal court warrant.
Bolton himself told CNN he was not aware of the raid and was trying to gather more information. He was not detained or charged during the operation.The FBI issued no official details on the allegations tied to the warrant.
Both the FBI and the Department of Justice declined immediate comment when contacted by the Guardian.
The raid prompted senior figures in law enforcement to share messages online. FBI director Kash Patel posted on X on Friday morning, stating: “NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission.”
His post was later reposted by deputy director Dan Bongino, who added, “Public corruption will not be tolerated.”
Public corruption will not be tolerated.
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Roger Stone, a longtime political operative previously prosecuted during the Russia investigation and later pardoned by Trump, also reacted on social media, posting, “Good morning. John Bolton. How does it feel to have your home raided at 6 o’clock in the morning?”
Good morning. John Bolton. How does it feel to have your home raided at 6 o’clock in the morning?
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Bolton’s strained history with Trump
Bolton served as Trump’s third national security adviser for 17 months, clashing with him on foreign policy issues such as Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea.
The Trump administration unsuccessfully attempted to block the publication of Bolton’s book, claiming it contained classified material.
This year, upon returning to office, Trump revoked the security clearances of more than four dozen former intelligence officials, including Bolton. In addition, Bolton’s security detail was cancelled alongside those of two other former Trump officials.
Political reactions and criticism
The raid also drew criticism from political figures. Meghan Hays, who served as a White House special adviser to President Joe Biden, told CNN in an interview that the raid appeared “extremely political” and suggested it was a “poor use of FBI resources.”
At the time of the search, Bolton was inside the lobby of his Washington office building, talking to two agents. No charges have been filed against him to date.
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