A potential legal storm is brewing for former Trump advisor John Bolton, as federal prosecutors in Maryland prepare to present their case to a grand jury. Sources reveal that the indictment is expected to focus on allegations of mishandling classified documents, a controversial move that has sparked debate and raised questions about political retribution.
This development comes amidst a series of indictments targeting prominent figures, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading critics to accuse President Trump of a calculated campaign against his perceived enemies.
Bolton, who has been a target of Trump's wrath since leaving the administration and publishing a tell-all book, faces allegations of possessing classified information. Federal agents conducted searches at his Maryland residence and Washington, D.C., office in August, a move that has drawn attention to the sensitive nature of the case.
Bolton vehemently denies any wrongdoing, insisting that he never unlawfully removed classified materials during his time in government. He further asserts that no such information was included in his 2019 memoir, "The Room Where It Happened."
The investigation, led by the U.S. attorney's office in Maryland, differs from the Comey and James probes, which are being handled by a Trump-appointed attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. Sources indicate that these charges were brought against the advice of career prosecutors, adding a layer of complexity to the legal landscape.
Comey and James, both facing charges of lying to Congress and mortgage fraud respectively, have denied any misconduct. The unsealing of a redacted affidavit last month provided a glimpse into the prosecutors' case against Bolton, with most of the document centered around the publication of his book, which the Trump administration unsuccessfully attempted to block.
The federal judge overseeing the lawsuit expressed serious concerns about the potential inclusion of highly classified information in Bolton's book, raising alarms about potential national security risks.
On the day of the searches, Trump, referencing his own legal battle over classified documents, expressed empathy for Bolton, stating that having one's home searched is an unpleasant experience. However, he went on to call Bolton a "sleazebag," indicating a personal animosity towards the former advisor.
Trump's own legal troubles related to the handling of classified materials after leaving office in 2021 have also been a subject of intense scrutiny. In June 2023, he pleaded not guilty to 40 criminal counts, with prosecutors alleging that he repeatedly refused to return classified documents and took measures to obstruct the government's retrieval efforts.
The case against Trump was ultimately dropped after his reelection in November 2022, due to a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.
In a 2022 interview with Fox News, Trump made his stance on Bolton's alleged actions clear, stating, "He took classified information and published it during a presidency. It's one thing to write a book after. During. And I believe he's a criminal, and frankly, he should go to jail for that. That's what should happen."
As the legal process unfolds, the case against Bolton raises important questions about the handling of classified information, the potential for political retribution, and the boundaries of free speech. It remains to be seen how the grand jury will respond to the prosecutors' case, and whether Bolton will face any legal consequences.
This story is a reminder of the complex and often controversial nature of politics and the law, leaving many to wonder about the implications and potential outcomes.
