John Bolton, former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty on October 17, 2025, to 18 federal criminal charges accusing him of mishandling and sharing classified national defense information. The charges, brought in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland, allege that Bolton unlawfully transmitted and retained sensitive materials, some classified as top secret, during and after his tenure in government service.
Background of Charges
Between April 2018 and August 2025, Bolton is accused of sharing over 1,000 pages of information detailing his daily activities and classified government matters with two relatives not authorized to receive such documents. These family members are widely reported to be his wife and daughter. The materials included “diary-like” entries containing information from intelligence briefings, discussions with U.S. and foreign leaders, and details on foreign adversaries, some revealing intelligence sources and methods.
The indictment also alleges that Bolton maintained classified documents at his private residence in Bethesda, Maryland, which were seized by FBI agents during a raid in August 2025. Additionally, prosecutors claim that in 2021 Bolton’s personal email account was hacked by operatives believed to be linked to the Iranian government, compromising some of the classified information he shared with his relatives. Despite notifying the FBI about the hack, Bolton did not disclose that classified information was stored or shared through that compromised email.
Court Appearance and Plea
Bolton appeared composed in court, dressed formally, and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. He was released pending trial. His attorney emphasized that Bolton intends to mount a vigorous defense, denying any unlawful handling or distribution of classified information. Bolton himself issued a public statement condemning the charges as politically motivated and part of broader efforts to target Trump’s critics.
Political and Legal Context
Bolton’s prosecution is notable in the context of recent high-profile cases against critics of President Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Observers have raised concerns about political motivations behind these prosecutions, marking a shift in usual Justice Department practices. Bolton, who has been openly critical of Trump since his departure from the administration, has become a key figure in this ongoing political-legal climate.
Potential Penalties
Each of the 18 counts carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, meaning Bolton could face up to 180 years if convicted on all counts. The charges split equally between:
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Transmission of national defense information (8 counts)
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Unlawful retention of national defense information (10 counts)
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2018 | Bolton begins sharing classified info with family |
| August 2025 | FBI raids Bolton’s Maryland residence, seizes docs |
| 2021 | Bolton’s personal email hacked by Iranian-linked actors |
| October 17, 2025 | Bolton arraigned and pleads not guilty on 18 counts |
Summary
John Bolton faces serious allegations of mishandling classified material, sharing sensitive government information with unauthorized family members, and retaining classified documents at home. He vehemently denies the charges and claims political persecution. The case highlights critical issues around national security, the handling of classified information, and the political dynamics influencing high-profile federal prosecutions. As legal proceedings advance, this case will continue to attract attention for its implications on the justice system and U.S. politics at large.