Washington .. John Bolton accused of illegally retaining classified documents

American media reported that a grand jury in Maryland has charged John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, for illegally retaining and transmitting classified information.

Bolton, who is 76 years old, is the third prominent figure to face legal charges since Trump returned to the White House, in the context of investigations involving several former officials in his administration.


FBI investigations and search of his home

The roots of the case date back to last August, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at Bolton's home in Maryland and his office in Washington, looking for sensitive government documents believed to have been retained after he left office in 2019.

According to the indictment, which consists of 18 charges, Bolton is suspected of storing and sending files classified as “top secret” related to national security without obtaining official approvals.

Controversial political and personal background

Bolton is considered one of the most hardline figures within the Republican Party, known for his support of using American force in foreign policy. He held several prominent positions in previous Republican administrations before being appointed by Trump as national security adviser in 2018.

However, the relationship between the two men quickly soured, culminating in Bolton's dismissal in September 2019, after which he became one of the most prominent critics of the Republican president, especially on foreign policy issues.


Bolton responds: “A campaign of intimidation”

In his first comment on the charges, Bolton denied committing any legal violations, considering the case to be part of “efforts to intimidate dissenting voices within the Republican Party.”

He stated in a brief statement: “I have adhered to the law throughout my government service, and these charges are nothing but a political attempt to settle scores.”



A new case in Trump’s circle

This case adds a new chapter to a series of investigations involving figures who served in Trump’s first administration, amid mutual accusations between the current White House and its opponents regarding “politicizing the judiciary.”

Observers believe that the indictment of Bolton, who has long criticized Trump’s policies, may open a new confrontation within the Republican Party, between the current president's wing and his supporters on one side, and traditional conservatives on the other.