Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of illegally retaining classified information, resolving a criminal case stemming from his mishandling of sensitive national security records. Bolton, 77, admitted to sharing more than 1,000 pages of classified material, including diary entries, with two relatives for potential use in a memoir. The plea agreement includes a $2.25 million fine, 100 hours of community service, and a forfeiture of his government pension. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, with a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison.
Bolton initially faced 18 criminal charges but pleaded guilty to a single count under a deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors allege he shared classified information via personal email and messaging apps, including details on foreign military operations and covert U.S. actions. Bolton expressed remorse during the hearing, stating, 'I’m sorry for it.'
The case has drawn attention due to Bolton’s public criticism of former President Donald Trump, whom he served under during his first term. Bolton’s 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened, was highly critical of Trump, though prosecutors noted no classified information was published in the book. The Justice Department emphasized Bolton’s knowledge of handling classified material and the potential national security risks posed by his actions.
Bolton’s legal team argued that the plea agreement would save government resources and avoid exposing additional sensitive information. The case is part of a broader trend of high-profile figures facing charges related to classified documents, including Trump and President Joe Biden, though Bolton’s prosecution predates Trump’s return to the White House in 2025.