Summary
- National Security Advisor John Bolton is scheduled to appear in federal court in Maryland today to plead guilty to mishandling classified information.
- Prosecutors say he used a personal email account and messaging platform to transmit files to unauthorized recipients, including information classified from secret to top secret.
- The indictment included eight counts of classified security information and ten counts of unlawful retention of national defense information.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton is scheduled to appear in federal court in Maryland today to plead guilty to mishandling classified information.
According to sources, Bolton will admit to one count of illegal retention of sensitive materials. Prosecutors say he used a personal email account and messaging platform to transmit files to unauthorized recipients, including information classified from secret to top secret.
Bolton was formally charged in October 2025 with multiple counts of transmitting and retaining classified documents. The indictment included eight counts of classified security information and ten counts of unlawful retention of national defense information.
He is expected to argue that he did not remove documents with classification markings from government offices. Observers note that his guilty plea could make him a prominent example in President Donald Trump’s campaign of retribution against perceived political adversaries.
Reports also revealed Bolton’s email account was hacked by Iranian actors, with threats to disclose sensitive information. His assistant alerted authorities to the breach.
The case underscores the risks of mishandling classified material and highlights the political tensions surrounding Trump’s efforts to target former officials.
