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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting a search this Friday at the residence in Maryland of John Bolton, former National Security Advisor to Donald Trump.
The federal investigation related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents led agents to Bolton's private residence in Bethesda, an upscale neighborhood in the northwest of Washington.
The information was initially confirmed by The Associated Press, which cited a person with direct knowledge of the operation, although on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case.
Subsequently, Fox News confirmed the news.
Neither Bolton's spokesperson nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comments, and a lawyer who has represented the former official declined to comment.
The FBI director, Kash Patel, wrote on his X account: "No one is above the law... FBI agents on a mission," clearly referring to the operation.
A prolonged confrontation with Trump
John Bolton was the third National Security Advisor during Trump's first term, holding the position for 17 months, from April 2018 until his sudden departure in September 2019.
His time in office was marked by constant clashes with the then-president, particularly regarding strategies toward Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, and Venezuela.
Trump publicly requested his resignation via Twitter, citing disagreements over multiple foreign policy decisions.
"I am very grateful to John for his service," he added, but specified that he did not agree with many of his suggestions.
The president accused Bolton of having "crossed the line" regarding Venezuela.
Although both agreed on the need to oust Nicolás Maduro from power, Trump was increasingly impatient with the failure of a sanctions and diplomacy campaign, led by the United States, to dethrone the socialist leader.
The relationship between the two deteriorated even further when Bolton published his memoir "The Room Where It Happened" in 2020, in which he recounted internal episodes from the White House.
The Trump administration attempted, unsuccessfully, to block the publication, claiming it contained classified information.
Security context and sensitive documents
The FBI operation comes at a time when the Republican administration of Trump has resumed pressure measures against former officials with access to sensitive information.
Just on his first day back in power this year, the president revoked the security clearances of more than 40 former intelligence members, including Bolton.
This is not the first time that the former counsel has been involved in controversies of this nature.
During his tenure, he was one of the key architects of the maximum pressure policy against the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, announcing in Miami in April 2019 severe restrictions on travel and remittances to the island in retaliation for Havana's support of Nicolás Maduro.
Ongoing investigations
So far, the authorities have not officially confirmed which documents prompted the FBI's entry or whether Bolton is facing any direct charges.
However, the investigation aims to determine whether he handled, retained, or disclosed classified material without authorization, which would constitute a violation of federal law.
While the former advisor remains silent, the search marks a new chapter in the tense and complex relationship between Trump and one of his fiercest critics, whose voice has been a constant against the former president on foreign policy issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about the FBI's Raid on John Bolton's House
Why did the FBI search John Bolton's house?
The FBI conducted a search at John Bolton's home as part of an investigation into the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Authorities are seeking to determine whether Bolton handled, retained, or disclosed classified material without proper authorization, which would constitute a violation of federal law.
What is John Bolton's relationship with Donald Trump?
John Bolton was the third National Security Advisor during Donald Trump's first term, holding the position from April 2018 to September 2019. His relationship with Trump deteriorated due to disagreements over foreign policy, especially concerning issues related to Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, and Venezuela. Bolton is known as a constant critic of the former president, particularly on matters of foreign policy.
Has John Bolton been involved in legal controversies before?
Yes, John Bolton has been involved in legal controversies before, primarily related to the disclosure of classified information. In 2020, the Trump administration attempted to block the publication of his memoir "The Room Where It Happened," claiming it contained classified information. Additionally, Bolton has been a controversial figure due to his strong stance on foreign policy, especially towards countries like Cuba and Venezuela.
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