Discovery of Classified Documents in Bolton's Office Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction

SadaNews - Politico confirmed yesterday, Tuesday, that agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found classified documents in the office of former National Security Adviser John Bolton in Washington last month during a search conducted under a court order.

According to a court filing released on Tuesday, the search conducted on August 22 resulted in the discovery of materials classified as related to weapons of mass destruction, the United States mission to the United Nations, in addition to documents linked to the strategic communications of the U.S. government.

The search warrant noted that some materials were described as "top secret" and others as "secret," without specifying the exact number of documents, while FBI teams confiscated computers and electronic devices whose contents have not been disclosed, according to the American Politico website.

On the same day, agents searched Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland, but did not report finding classified materials there, although electronic devices were also seized.

The files indicate that the investigation is based on suspicions of crimes including violating the Espionage Act by unlawfully retaining classified defense information.

The Justice Department had opened a similar investigation against Bolton during Donald Trump's first presidency due to the publication of a book believed to contain classified information, but the case was closed in 2021 under the administration of former President Joe Biden.

After leaving the White House, Bolton published a book in 2020 titled "The Room Where It Happened," discussing his experience within the Trump administration, amid accusations that he included classified information without obtaining the necessary approvals, which could amount to a crime.

It is noteworthy that Bolton's case intersects with prominent files concerning classified documents found with former American presidents, including Trump, who faced similar allegations before a federal court dismissed them, and Biden, who was under investigation regarding classified documents found in his home.

No immediate comment has been released from Bolton's defense team regarding the contents of the court filings.

It is mentioned that Trump has often mocked Bolton after a period he spent as his selected adviser between 2018 and 2019, describing him as a "war hawk."

Bolton's defenders expressed concern that the FBI searches of his home and office were part of Trump's public calls for revenge against his opponents.