FBI searches home of Trump adviser-turned-critic John Bolton

August 22, 2025

The FBI conducted searches of former national security adviser John Bolton's home and office as part of an investigation reportedly related to classified information handling. Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump since leaving his administration in 2019, previously authored a memoir that the Trump administration claimed contained classified information. While FBI officials have provided limited details about the investigation, Vice President JD Vance confirmed it relates partly to classified documents but denied it was politically motivated.

Who is affected

John Bolton, former national security adviser
The FBI conducting the investigation
The Trump administration, particularly President Trump who called Bolton a "sleazebag"
Other Trump adversaries who have faced investigations, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Democratic California Senator Adam Schiff

What action is being taken

FBI agents are searching Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland and his office in Washington DC
FBI personnel were seen taking boxes inside Bolton's property
The FBI is conducting what they describe as "authorised activity in the area"
The investigation is actively ongoing, with Vice President Vance confirming it relates partly to classified documents

Why it matters

The investigation involves potential mishandling of classified information by a high-profile former government official
It represents another conflict between Trump and Bolton, who has been a vocal critic since leaving the administration in 2019
The situation raises questions about whether the investigation is politically motivated against a Trump critic
Bolton's 2020 memoir "The Room Where it Happened" was previously the subject of legal action by the Trump administration over alleged classified information disclosure

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC