Former NSA John Bolton indicted for mishandling US defence secrets

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton, who served under President Donald Trump, has been indicted for mishandling classified national defence information, according to an official statement released by the Department of Justice.

A federal grand jury in Maryland charged the 76-year-old Bolton with eight counts of transmission of national defense information (NDI) and ten counts of unlawful retention of NDI. The indictment accuses him of transmitting and storing top-secret materials in violation of federal law.

“There is one tier of justice for all Americans,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.”

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Bolton allegedly used personal email and messaging accounts to transmit top-secret information and kept classified documents at his home, directly breaching federal regulations. “The FBI’s investigation was meticulous and impartial,” Patel said. “We will not tolerate the weaponization of justice or threats to national security.”

US Attorney Kelly O Hayes for the District of Maryland reaffirmed that protecting Americans remains their top priority. “If anyone endangers our national security, we’re committed to holding them accountable,” she said.

According to the indictment, Bolton’s communications included intelligence about potential future attacks, foreign adversaries, and sensitive foreign policy operations. The retained materials allegedly contained intelligence on foreign leaders and classified methods used to obtain strategic information.

FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, “Anyone entrusted with classified knowledge has a duty to safeguard it. These charges make clear that violations of that trust carry real consequences.”