The FBI searched the Maryland home of former National Security Advisor John Bolton early Friday morning as part of an investigation into classified documents.
The search took place around 7 a.m. at Bolton’s residence in Bethesda, Maryland, according to multiple outlets. Bolton, who served as national security advisor under President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019, has since become a sharp critic of the administration.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed the operation was tied to a national security investigation involving classified records. Bolton was neither arrested nor detained.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on social media that “no one is above the law” and praised agents for being on mission. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the sentiment, writing that “America’s safety is not negotiable and justice will be pursued.”
The inquiry appears connected to Bolton’s 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which the Trump administration claimed contained classified information. The Justice Department initially sued to block publication but dropped the case in 2021.
Bolton had submitted the manuscript for government review but moved ahead with publishing before receiving final approval, triggering the original DOJ inquiry. A federal judge later allowed publication but said Bolton likely disclosed classified material.
Earlier this year, Trump revoked Bolton’s security clearance and canceled his Secret Service protection, which he had received due to Iranian threats tied to his role in the Soleimani operation.
Since leaving the White House, Bolton has remained a vocal critic of Trump’s foreign policy, opposing his handling of Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, and his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.