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Written by John DiMauro, October 16, 2025

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 18 counts related to the mishandling and transmission of classified national-defense information. The indictment includes eight counts of unlawful transmission and ten counts of unlawful retention under the Espionage Act—each carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence. According to prosecutors, Bolton sent “diary-like” notes containing national-security details to unauthorized individuals and stored printed classified documents at his Maryland home.

For years, Bolton has been one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics, making countless appearances across liberal networks to disparage the former president’s policies and judgment. Now, the same Justice Department that has targeted Trump on multiple fronts has turned its attention to one of his biggest detractors. Conservatives see irony in this moment: a man who spent half a decade on cable news attacking Trump’s “character” is now accused of violating the very national-security standards he championed. (Washington Post Coverage)

The indictment lays out a detailed account of Bolton’s alleged mishandling of materials—claiming he used personal email systems such as AOL Mail and Gmail to send classified content outside secure channels.

 Prosecutors say Bolton’s personal accounts were later hacked by foreign actors linked to Iran, potentially exposing U.S. intelligence. During an August 2025 FBI search of his home, agents reportedly recovered documents marked “Classified,” “Secret,” and “Confidential.”  Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, insists that the materials were reviewed and cleared through government processes, calling the charges “politically motivated.”

The timing of the indictment has raised questions about selective justice. Bolton becomes the third high-profile Trump critic to face federal charges this fall—after James Comey and Letitia James—fueling conservative claims that the DOJ’s “independence” is a myth. Many on the right argue that Washington’s establishment is beginning to eat its own, as internal rivalries and past betrayals resurface.

Whether Bolton will be convicted remains to be seen. His defense will likely argue the absence of intent and question the government’s chain of custody. But one thing is certain: this case may expose deeper flaws in Washington’s handling of classified information—and reveal how accountability changes hands depending on who’s in power. For now, the man who made a career out of condemning others over national-security issues finds himself on the other side of the courtroom.

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They told us over and over during Trump’s indictments that "no one’s above the law." Looks like John Bolton’s the latest reminder—careful what slogans you live by.”