The Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into former National Security Adviser John Bolton primarily revolves around notes he created in an AOL email account, which reportedly include personal summaries akin to diary entries made during his tenure under President Donald Trump. Sources familiar with the inquiry have disclosed that prosecutors are finalizing an indictment concerning Bolton’s alleged mishandling of classified information, marking a significant development in the probe.
Although Bolton has not yet been charged with any crime, his attorney asserts that he maintained compliance with all regulations regarding classified materials while in his private office and home after leaving government service. Bolton, a seasoned government official and former U.N. ambassador, served as national security adviser from 2018 until his dismissal in 2019. Known for his meticulous note-taking, Bolton has assistants who may have had access to his writings, which raises questions about the security of classified information.
The investigation into Bolton’s AOL account has persisted for several years, with intelligence sources suggesting that his emails may have been compromised by a foreign adversary, particularly pointing to Iran as a suspect. This hacking incident has strayed into the scope of the inquiry, with federal investigators executing a search warrant on Bolton’s Maryland residence. Court documents from that search indicated the investigation has linked the hacking of his AOL account to potential legal violations regarding the handling of classified documents.
Classified document mishandling investigations typically assess whether sensitive information is stored securely and whether unauthorized individuals have access to it. The search warrants executed recently led to the seizure of multiple devices and documents marked with classified information from Bolton’s office and home, framing a legal case that is rapidly taking shape.
As the investigation unfolds, Bolton, who has remained vocally critical of Trump since his exit from the administration, may find the scrutiny on his past activities and communications complicating. His tell-all memoir published in 2020, along with negotiations regarding its classified content, may also form part of the burgeoning criminal case against him.
While the circumstances surrounding Bolton’s AOL account and its investigation present a serious picture, they underline the complexities within national security protocols and the potential risks posed by modern communication methods in safeguarding classified information. The outcome of this investigation could have ramifications not only for Bolton but also for wider discussions on security practices and the implications of political accountability.