Unsealed search warrant reveals what FBI seized from John Bolton’s home, office for possible federal records violations
An unsealed search warrant of former National Security Adviser John Bolton’s Maryland home and D.C. office revealed federal agents seized several computers, phones, hard drives and boxes. Officials suspect the evidence substantiates allegations that Bolton mishandled classified documents.
On Thursday, Chief Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan released a redacted version of the search warrant and materials the FBI obtained when they searched Bolton’s home. The judge unsealed the documents after more than a dozen news organizations filed a request to unseal on Aug. 29. They argued that there’s a heightened public interest and historic significance of the case that outweighs the need for secrecy.
“The need to vindicate this access right is particularly urgent here given the powerful interest in evaluating the government’s request to search the home of a former high-ranking official turned prominent critic of the President and the Court’s decision to allow that search,” the filing said.
Federal prosecutors didn’t oppose the organizations’ motion, according to court records. Instead, they wrote in their Sept. 3 response that releasing redacted versions of related records was necessary to protect the privacy of interested parties and the integrity of the investigation.
Sullivan signed off on the warrant on Aug. 21. It said officials needed a search warrant in connection with allegations that Bolton mishandled Department of Defense information. It also stated that he illegally removed classified documents. Agents executed the warrant the next day.
The Justice Department has not formally charged Bolton. The adviser worked in the role from 2018 to 2019, where he publicly disagreed with Trump on foreign policy issues. These issues include a regime change in Iran and whether North Korea violated United Nations resolutions with its 2019 missile tests. Bolton also served as ambassador to the United Nations under former President George W. Bush.
It’s unclear if Bolton resigned or was fired from the post. Since his departure, he’s remained a vocal critic of Trump. Trump revoked Bolton’s security clearance — and that of 49 other former national security officials — in January.
Computers, iPhones, documents recovered
Court records state the bureau seized two iPhones, a hard drive, two USB drives and three computers. They also recovered a white binder labeled “statements and reflections to Allied strikes,” documents in a folder named “Trump I-IV” and four boxes that contained printed daily activities.
No information was available on what agents found in the electronics or printed documents.
Agents were instructed to take all items, records, files or materials related to allegations that Bolton violated federal records laws. The warrant also ordered agents to conduct keyword searches on Bolton’s devices to determine if they fall within the scope of the investigation.
Allegations against Bolton
Federal prosecutors have long built a case against Bolton that he mishandled classified documents. The accusations started during President Donald Trump’s first term, with the Justice Department attempting to block the release of Bolton’s 2020 memoir. The department argued it contained sensitive information. However, a judge allowed publication to proceed and indicated that classified details may have been disclosed.
A foreign adversary’s spy service told intelligence agencies in the Biden administration they had intercepted emails Bolton sent that contained classified materials. The data appeared to show Bolton used an unclassified system in Trump’s first term to send emails with sensitive information.
People close to the inquiry told The New York Times that Bolton sent the messages to help him gather material he’d publish in his memoir.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed FBI Director Kash Patel this year on the intercepted materials.
Bolton continues criticism of Trump
Even after agents searched his properties, Bolton criticized Trump through an op-ed in The Washington Examiner. He acknowledged the search in the opening of his piece, adding that Trump’s policy on Ukraine is still unclear.
“The administration has tried to camouflage its disarray behind social media posts,” Bolton wrote, “such as Trump comparing his finger-pointing at Russian President Vladimir Putin to then-Vice President Richard Nixon during the famous kitchen debate with Nikita Khrushchev. Why Trump wants to be compared to the only president who resigned in disgrace is unclear.”
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
