Summary
The Justice Department has indicted John Bolton, who was a former national security adviser under President Donald Trump, on charges of mishandling classified national defense information. This marks the first time a former senior adviser faces such charges under the Espionage Act. The indictment raises questions about the use of this law with high-ranking officials and consistent legal standards in similar cases.
Key Facts
- John Bolton is being charged under the Espionage Act with 18 counts related to national defense information.
- The charges allege he removed, stored, and transmitted classified materials using personal email and messaging accounts.
- Some of the documents were exposed in a cyberattack linked to Iranian actors.
- This is the first time a former national security adviser has faced charges under the Espionage Act.
- If convicted, Bolton could face up to 10 years in prison for each count.
- Prosecutors claim Bolton willfully mishandled sensitive information, including information about intelligence sources and weapons of mass destruction.
- The case is part of broader efforts to apply consistent legal standards following document probes involving Trump and former President Joe Biden.
