Federal investigators discovered documents labeled “secret” and “confidential” in the Washington, D.C. office of former National Security Adviser John Bolton, according to newly released court filings. This finding is part of a broader Justice Department investigation into whether Bolton mishandled sensitive national defense information during or after his government service.
The FBI conducted a search of Bolton’s office on August 22, authorized by a federal judge. They recovered documents including travel memos with classification markings, strategic communications plans, materials related to weapons of mass destruction, and records involving the U.S. mission to the United Nations. Electronic devices were also seized, but their contents remain undisclosed.
The investigation is exploring possible violations of the Espionage Act, specifically the unauthorized handling of national defense information. Although the total number of classified documents was not stated, the inventory listed multiple folders bearing classification labels. “Secret” and “confidential” are tiers within the U.S. classification system indicating levels of potential harm to national security if leaked.
A separate search of Bolton’s Maryland residence turned up no classified material, though computers and other electronics were taken. The affidavit supporting the searches expressed concerns that Bolton’s communications, including emails during his White House tenure, may have been exploited by a foreign intelligence service. His AOL email account was reportedly hacked, but details remain classified.
This inquiry revisits controversy surrounding Bolton’s 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which the Trump administration tried to block, claiming it contained classified content. Though a judge criticized Bolton’s actions, the case was dropped in 2021. Bolton’s lawyer insists the documents were cleared during a pre-publication review and originate from earlier service under President George W. Bush.
The Justice Department continues to treat the presence of potentially sensitive materials—even older ones—as a serious matter. Whether Bolton’s record-keeping crossed legal lines may soon be tested in court.
