Who is John Bolton, Why Former Trump Adviser Indicted?

John Bolton, the former National Security Adviser to Donald Trump, has been indicted in a federal case involving the mishandling of classified information. According to the Associated Press, Bolton is accused of storing top-secret documents at his home and sharing private diary-style notes with relatives. Authorities say these records included sensitive details about foreign governments and U.S. intelligence operations.

Between 2018 and August 2025, Bolton allegedly shared over 1,000 pages of classified material. Some documents were marked as top secret. Investigators also believe that some of this information may have been exposed when his email account was hacked, possibly by Iranian-linked operatives. In one message, Bolton reportedly warned a relative by writing, “None of which we talk about!!!” after sending a restricted document.

Bolton has strongly denied the charges. He claims the case is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to intimidate critics. He argues that the Justice Department is unfairly targeting him for his public disagreements with former President Trump. The case has sparked serious debate in Washington about national security, legal accountability, and political influence.

Who is John Bolton?

John Bolton was born on November 20, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland. He studied at Yale University, earning both his Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor. He served in multiple Republican administrations, including roles under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. He worked on issues involving foreign policy, arms control, and international security.

In 2018, Bolton joined the Trump administration as National Security Adviser but was dismissed in 2019. After leaving the White House, he published a book critical of Trump, which drew significant attention. His home and office were later searched in 2025 during the investigation that led to this indictment.

The legal case against Bolton is expected to be lengthy and closely followed. It raises important questions about how former officials handle classified material and whether politics plays a role in high-profile prosecutions. As the court proceedings continue, the nation watches to see how this case will impact future debates on national security and public trust.