FBI Raids John Bolton’s Maryland Home Over Iran Leak

In a bold action, the FBI raided the home of former National Security Adviser John Bolton in Maryland Tuesday morning. The raid is reportedly in connection with Bolton's alleged mishandling of classified information related to a possible strike on Iran during the Trump administration. 

Why Did the FBI Raid John Bolton’s Home?

Federal sources telling The Washington Post indicated that the Justice Department was looking into whether Bolton leaked classified information from his 2020 book The Room Where It Happened. This was the book that angered the Trump White House when it revealed internal discussions about military options concerning Iran.

Officials may believe Bolton leaked classified military strategy that may threaten national security.

Bolton's Response to the FBI Raid

Bolton, who has been a fierce critic of Donald Trump and the Biden administration, released a statement through his attorneys denying any wrongdoing:

“This is nothing more than political retribution. My book went through the National Security Council review process,” Bolton said.

Boltom's lawyers argue that the Trump administration had already lost in court its effort to stop the memoir from being published so for the FBI to raid would be unprecedented and unjustified.usly failed to block the memoir in court, and therefore, the raid is “unprecedented and unjustified.”

Public Reactions

The raid has already sparked partisan fire in Washington. Trump loyalists claim it proves selective justice, while national security experts stress the seriousness of leaking classified information.

A user @heartland_grump wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

This is the correct FIRST move.

Since Bolton was in the first Trump admin Democrats can’t claim that this is a political witch hunt against the opposition party,

Equal justice might finally be coming for The Swamp.

— Heartland Grump (@heartland_grump) August 22, 2025

What Happens Next?

Legal analysts say Bolton could be in serious criminal trouble if prosecutors could show that he carelessly leaked classified plans. Other analysts believe the prosecution could turn into a political battle as the 2024 elections loom.
For the time being, Bolton’s residence is under federal review as investigators review documents and electronics obtained during the search.