Who Is John Bolton and What Did He Do? Former Trump Adviser Raided in FBI Classified Documents Probe

In a stunning development on August 22, 2025, FBI agents executed a court-authorized search at the Bethesda, Maryland residence of John Bolton, the former National Security Adviser under President Donald Trump. The operation, which began at approximately 7:00 a.m., is part of a revived investigation into the possible mishandling of classified information.

According to officials, the search is linked to an earlier probe opened during the Biden administration but not pursued at that time. With renewed concerns regarding national security and leaks to the media, federal authorities have turned their attention once again to Bolton—a prominent political figure known for both his service and his outspoken critiques of former President Trump.

Who Is John Bolton and What Did He Do in U.S. Politics?

John Robert Bolton, born in 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland, is a veteran conservative diplomat and foreign policy advisor who served in senior roles across multiple Republican administrations. A graduate of Yale University, Bolton began his government service during the Reagan administration and rose through the ranks to hold key positions under Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump.

Bolton’s most high-profile role came in 2018 when he was appointed National Security Adviser by then-President Trump. Known for his hardline foreign policy stances, Bolton influenced significant decisions including the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and shifting strategies in North Korea and Afghanistan.

His tenure ended abruptly in 2019 after a public falling out with Trump. While Trump claimed he fired Bolton, the adviser insisted he resigned over deep disagreements on foreign policy matters.

Why Was John Bolton’s House Raided by the FBI?

The recent FBI raid centers on Bolton’s alleged handling of classified documents, particularly surrounding his 2020 memoir The Room Where It Happened. The book, which offered a scathing view of Trump’s presidency, became the subject of legal controversy when the Department of Justice sued Bolton to block its release, arguing that he had violated national security protocols by publishing classified information.

Although the Biden administration dropped the lawsuit in 2021 and closed its criminal investigation, new information has seemingly prompted authorities to revisit the case. Officials say the current investigation is examining whether any classified materials were mishandled or leaked to the media.

This resurgence in scrutiny comes as part of a broader national push to enforce accountability on the handling of sensitive government documents, a theme increasingly prominent in recent years.

Bolton’s Political and Legal History: Controversy and Criticism

John Bolton is no stranger to controversy. His hawkish approach to foreign policy has long drawn criticism, especially from diplomats advocating multilateralism. During his time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, his aggressive stance on international cooperation raised eyebrows both at home and abroad.

Following his departure from the Trump administration, Bolton became one of the most vocal Republican critics of the former president. His memoir detailed claims that Trump consistently prioritized personal political interests over national security and described alleged misconduct within the White House.

The Justice Department’s initial attempt to block Bolton’s book, as well as recover profits from it, ultimately failed in court. Bolton argued that he had followed the required pre-publication review process and had received confirmation from a National Security Council official that the manuscript contained no classified information.

However, a second review—initiated by a higher-level official and allegedly politically motivated—delayed the book’s release. This secondary review became the basis of the earlier investigation, now reignited under the current federal leadership.

John Bolton’s Recent Activities and Political Commentary

Since his exit from the White House, Bolton has remained active in public discourse. In 2022, he publicly stated he was considering a presidential run in the Republican primaries to block Trump’s path to another nomination.

He has continued to criticize Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including his meetings with adversarial world leaders and the administration’s handling of national security communications. Recently, Bolton condemned the use of encrypted messaging apps like Signal by White House officials to discuss military actions, calling the practice reckless and dangerous.

Bolton’s security detail, once assigned due to threats from foreign operatives, was revoked earlier this year, further intensifying political tensions. He remains a polarizing figure—viewed by supporters as a national security expert and by critics as a war hawk with a controversial legacy.

For your information:

• Who is John Bolton and why is he important?
  John Bolton is a longtime U.S. diplomat and former National Security Adviser under President Trump. He played a central role in shaping American foreign policy and is known for his conservative and interventionist views.

• Why did the FBI raid John Bolton’s home?
  The FBI searched Bolton’s Maryland residence as part of an investigation into the alleged mishandling of classified documents related to his 2020 memoir and other materials.

• Is John Bolton facing criminal charges?
  As of now, Bolton has not been formally charged. The investigation is ongoing, and federal officials have not commented on any expected outcomes.

• What was in John Bolton’s book that caused controversy?
  Bolton’s memoir detailed allegations of misconduct within the Trump administration, claiming the former president often put personal interests above national security priorities.

• Has John Bolton run for president?
  While he did not enter the 2024 race, Bolton has publicly stated he considered running for president to oppose Trump’s return to office.