WASHINGTON ( The COW News Digital) Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, who served under President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019, has been formally indicted on charges of transmitting classified defense information through personal email and messaging apps.
According to U.S. media reports, the Department of Justice alleges that Bolton shared sensitive documents containing national security information via unsecured channels, raising concerns about potential breaches of federal secrecy laws.
The indictment follows revelations that in 2021, hackers linked to the Iranian government accessed Bolton’s personal email account and reportedly stole classified information. The FBI stated that Bolton’s representatives had previously disclosed that the account had been compromised, but did not reveal that classified government materials were stored within it.
Officials argue that using personal devices and email accounts to transmit sensitive documents violates strict federal security protocols, regardless of whether the materials were subsequently accessed by unauthorized parties. The indictment emphasizes the risk posed to national security when confidential information is handled outside secured government channels.
In response, John Bolton has denied all allegations, claiming that the case is politically motivated. “This indictment is a partisan attack,” Bolton told reporters, insisting that he acted in good faith and did not compromise national security intentionally.
Bolton resigned from his post as National Security Adviser in 2019 due to policy disagreements with President Trump, particularly on issues of foreign strategy and diplomatic approaches. Since leaving office, he has remained a prominent commentator on U.S. foreign policy and international security matters.
Legal experts note that the indictment could result in criminal penalties, fines, and potential imprisonment if Bolton is found guilty. The case also underscores the broader challenges of protecting classified information in the digital age, especially when former officials maintain access to sensitive materials after leaving government service.
Observers say this high-profile indictment is likely to spark debate over the balance between national security, transparency, and political motivations, particularly given Bolton’s continued visibility in media and public discourse.
The Department of Justice has indicated that the investigation into the handling of classified documents by former officials will continue, reflecting Washington’s heightened focus on information security and accountability at the highest levels of government.
