John Bolton, former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, is set to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified information. The agreement, which requires a judge's approval, is scheduled to be formalized on June 26 in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. This plea deal aims to resolve an 18-count indictment filed in October 2025, which accused Bolton of unlawfully transmitting and retaining national defense information.
The case centered on diary-like notes Bolton allegedly kept from his time in the Trump administration, which he reportedly shared with family members while preparing to write a memoir. Prosecutors had alleged that these notes contained sensitive national security details. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Bolton has also agreed to pay a significant fine of $2.25 million. While the deal could allow Bolton to avoid prison time, the judge will have the final say on sentencing.
Bolton's career has spanned several administrations, and he has been a prominent critic of Donald Trump since leaving his role as national security adviser. The original indictment carried the potential for substantial prison time if convicted. This plea marks a development in a case that has garnered considerable attention, particularly given Bolton's high-profile status and his subsequent critiques of the former president. The resolution of this case is expected to bring an end to the legal proceedings that have been ongoing since the indictment last year.
The specific charge Bolton is pleading guilty to involves the illegal retention of sensitive national security information. While he initially pleaded not guilty, the recent change-of-plea hearing indicates a shift in his legal strategy. The outcome of this hearing will be closely watched, as it represents a significant moment in the legal battles involving former officials from the Trump administration.
