Former US national security adviser John Bolton has admitted guilt in a federal case involving the improper handling of classified information, marking a dramatic turn in a legal battle that could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
Appearing before US District Judge Theodore D. Chuang on Friday, the 77-year-old acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed remorse, telling the court he was sorry for his actions.
The guilty plea replaces Bolton’s earlier not-guilty stance after he had previously faced 18 criminal charges.
Memoir Research at the Center of the Case
Federal prosecutors alleged that Bolton improperly shared highly sensitive government material with two relatives while working on a memoir detailing his time in public office.
The information reportedly included handwritten diary entries, notes from intelligence briefings, and records of conversations involving senior US officials and foreign leaders.
Investigators said more than 1,000 pages of classified material were involved.
Despite the allegations, prosecutors clarified that none of the classified information ultimately appeared in Bolton’s published memoir, The Room Where It Happened.
Plea Agreement Includes Fine and Community Service
Under the plea agreement negotiated with prosecutors, Bolton accepted financial penalties and additional conditions beyond the possibility of imprisonment.
He agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, with half due shortly after sentencing and the remainder to be paid within 90 days.
Bolton also committed to completing up to 100 hours of community service and participating in debriefings with officials from the intelligence community and the Department of Justice.
In addition, he will surrender his government pension as part of the agreement.
His sentencing has been scheduled for October 28, when the judge will determine whether prison time is warranted.
Trump Quickly Responds to Bolton’s Admission
President Donald Trump wasted little time reacting to the guilty plea.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized his former adviser in harsh terms, describing Bolton as “terrible” and “unskilled” while expressing hope that the court would impose a severe punishment.
The latest exchange adds another chapter to the long-running public feud between the two men, whose relationship collapsed after Bolton published his memoir criticizing Trump’s leadership during his first administration.
Bolton’s Lawyer Draws Sharp Contrast With Trump
Following the court hearing, Bolton’s attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, defended his client for accepting responsibility, describing the offense as a mistake rather than an attempt to exploit classified information.
Lowell contrasted Bolton’s conduct with Trump’s previous classified documents case, arguing that Bolton’s actions stemmed from maintaining a personal historical record, whereas Trump allegedly retained government secrets for personal benefit.
The attorney emphasized that Bolton admitted wrongdoing and accepted accountability, something he argued Trump had never done.
Prosecutors Warn of National Security Risks
Kelly O. Hayes, the US Attorney for the District of Maryland, said the case demonstrated the dangers of removing classified information from secure government systems.
She argued that using personal accounts to store or share sensitive material exposed national security to unnecessary risk.
Prosecutors also reminded the court that Bolton’s personal email account had previously been compromised in a cyberattack believed to have been linked to Iranian actors, highlighting the potential consequences of mishandling classified records.
Investigation Predated Trump’s Return to Office
Although Bolton has become one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics, prosecutors noted that the investigation began before Trump returned to the White House in 2025.
The case was initiated with the support of career federal prosecutors rather than being launched after Trump’s return to office.
Bolton is among several high-profile political figures who have faced prosecution under Trump’s Justice Department, though officials stressed that this investigation had already been underway before the current administration took office.
