John Bolton, who served as national security adviser under former President Donald Trump, has been indicted on 18 counts of mishandling classified information, marking one of the most high-profile legal actions yet involving a former senior US official.
Federal grand jury issues charges
A federal grand jury in Maryland handed down the indictment, alleging that Bolton retained and disclosed classified national-security documents after leaving office in 2019. The charges include unauthorised retention and transmission of national defence information, as well as making false statements during a subsequent investigation. Prosecutors claim he knowingly kept sensitive materials at his private residence and shared details in his 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened.
Trump calls former aide a ‘bad guy’
Reacting to the indictment, Donald Trump described Bolton as a “bad guy” and “disloyal,” claiming vindication for his long-standing accusations that his former adviser had “broken the law.” Bolton, a long-time foreign policy hawk and vocal critic of Trump after his departure, has dismissed the charges as politically motivated. His legal team has vowed to fight the case vigorously, saying the documents in question had been cleared through official review before publication.
Political reverberations in Washington
The indictment has reignited debate in Washington over the handling of classified information by senior officials, particularly following cases involving both Trump and President Joe Biden. Legal analysts say the Department of Justice is under pressure to demonstrate consistent enforcement regardless of political affiliation.
A broader test for accountability
If convicted, Bolton could face significant prison time, though experts note that similar cases have often ended in plea deals. The case now becomes a flashpoint in the broader discussion over transparency, accountability, and political retribution within the US security establishment.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 17 October 2025
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