The FBI finds classified documents in the office of a former Trump advisor about weapons of mass destruction.

 

Trump and John Bolton

The FBI finds classified documents in the office of a former Trump advisor about weapons of mass destruction. 

Politico reported that the FBI found classified documents in the office of  John Bolton, President Donald Trump  's former national security advisor   , last month during a search warrant.
Search of Bolton's home uncovers documents on weapons of mass destruction.

According to a court filing, the search, which took place on August 22, resulted in the discovery of materials classified as related to weapons of mass destruction , the US mission to  the United Nations , and documents related to the US government's strategic communications.

The search warrant indicated that some of the materials were classified as "top secret" and others as "secret," without specifying the exact number. FBI teams also seized computers and electronic devices whose contents were not disclosed. On the same day, agents searched Bolton's home in Bethesda, Maryland, but did not report finding classified materials there, although electronic devices were also seized.

According to the report, the files indicate that the investigation is based on suspicion of crimes including violations of the Espionage Act through the unauthorized retention of classified defense information.

US investigates Bolton for publishing secrets in his book about Trump

This is not the first time the Trump administration has opened an investigation into Bolton . During his first term, an investigation into Bolton began due to his publication of a book believed to contain classified information. However, the case was closed in 2021 during the administration of former US President Joe Biden.

After leaving the White House, Bolton published a book in 2020 titled "The Room Where It Happened," detailing his experience within the Trump administration amid accusations that he shared classified information without proper approval, potentially amounting to a crime.

Bolton's defense team did not immediately comment on the court filings.

Trump has repeatedly mocked Bolton after his time as his chosen advisor between 2018 and 2019, describing him as a "warmonger." Bolton's defenders have expressed concern that the FBI searches of his home and office were part of Trump's public calls for retaliation against his opponents.