FBI Searches Home of Former Trump Adviser John Bolton in National Security Probe, Sources say

FBI agents searched the home of John Bolton, a former adviser to President Donald Trump and now a frequent critic of him, on Friday as part of a national security investigation, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The search began around 7 a.m. at Bolton’s residence in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., and was reportedly ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel, according to the New York Post, which first broke the story.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed there was “court authorised activity” in the area near Bolton’s home.

“NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission,”

Patel posted on X shortly after 7 a.m., without naming Bolton directly.
Bolton was not immediately available for comment. CNN reported that he said he was unaware of the law enforcement action and was trying to get more details.
Bolton previously served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and as national security adviser during Trump’s first term. After leaving the administration, he became one of Trump’s harshest critics, publishing a sharply critical memoir about his time in office and questioning Trump’s leadership.
Trump has used his authority to go after individuals he sees as political enemies since returning to office in January, following his campaign promise to seek political retribution.
The purpose of the FBI’s search remains unclear. During Trump’s earlier term, the Justice Department had sued Bolton and launched a criminal investigation, alleging that his book, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, included classified material.
A judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to stop the book’s release in 2020. The lawsuit and investigation were both dropped in 2021 under President Biden.
Previously, Bolton’s Secret Service protection was withdrawn after the Justice Department reported that Iran had made threats against his life.
He has continued to criticise Trump since his return to the presidency. Following a recent meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Bolton told CNN that Putin “clearly won” the summit and while Trump “did not lose” he looked “very tired” and there was no meaningful progress on ending the war in Ukraine.
Bolton has also voiced opposition to FBI Director Kash Patel. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet The Press” last December, he said the Senate should reject Patel’s nomination “100-0.” Patel was ultimately confirmed.