Former US National Security Advisor John R. Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to violating the Espionage Act, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced. Bolton admitted to illegally retaining classified information related to notes he compiled for a book critical of former President Donald Trump.
Details of the Guilty Plea
According to the National Security Division of the US Department of Justice, Bolton sent top secret information on a personal account that was allegedly hacked by Iranians. In a post on X, the division stated, "Former U.S. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton, II PLEADS GUILTY to Violating the Espionage Act: Sent Top Secret Information on Personal Account Allegedly Hacked by Iranians."
Hayden O'Byrne, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, said, "John Bolton held a position of extraordinary public trust as the country's top National Security Advisor, and he betrayed that trust, jeopardizing our nation's security." He added, "Today's resolution ought to send a message to other public officials whom the public has entrusted with classified, national defense information. If you willfully mishandle these state secrets, the Department of Justice, led by the National Security Division, will investigate and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Bolton appeared in Federal District Court in Maryland and admitted to a single charge of illegal retention of classified information. Judge Theodore Chuang set a sentencing date for October 28. Under the terms of the plea deal, Bolton must pay a fine of USD 2.25 million and will forfeit his federal pension. The New York Times reported that Bolton faces up to five years in prison, with court documents suggesting he is likely to receive close to the maximum sentence under federal guideline calculations, though the judge retains discretion.
During the hearing, Bolton expressed remorse, stating, "I'm sorry for it." The case stems from his 2020 memoir, in which he disclosed classified information about national security matters, including discussions with foreign leaders.
Background and Impact
Bolton served as National Security Advisor under President Trump from 2018 to 2019, later becoming one of Trump's most outspoken critics. His guilty plea marks a significant moment in the enforcement of the Espionage Act, underscoring the Justice Department's commitment to prosecuting mishandling of classified information. The case also highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity, as Bolton's personal account was allegedly compromised by Iranian hackers, raising questions about the security of sensitive communications.
