Crackdown on Critics? FBI Raids Bolton's Home
According to multiple U.S. media reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided the home of former President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor, John Bolton, in Maryland on Friday morning.
After working in Trump's first administration, Bolton made strong criticisms of Trump's foreign policy and other policies. After returning to the White House in January, Trump actively used presidential power to punish political enemies. The FBI and the White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
According to the New York Post, which first reported the news, this raid is part of a high-profile national security investigation involving classified documents. According to ABC News, a federal magistrate judge in Maryland approved the search.
CNN reported that Bolton said he was unaware of the FBI's raid. The Associated Press reported that Bolton was not detained or charged with any crime.
FBI Director Patel wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning: "No one is above the law." He did not mention specific details, only stating that "FBI agents are carrying out their duties."
U.S. Attorney General Bondi also stated on Friday: "National security is not up for negotiation. We will pursue justice. Always." It is reported that Patel placed Bolton on his so-called list of "deep state members" in the administration.
In January this year, Trump revoked Bolton's security clearance along with other political opponents. In the preface of his memoir published last year, Bolton wrote: "A large body of evidence shows that Trump is unfit to be president."
Due to White House review of its content, the publication of Bolton's memoir was postponed in 2020. The Trump administration sued Bolton in federal court, claiming he failed to complete the pre-publication review of classified information, violating the contract. In 2021, under President Biden, the Department of Justice ended the criminal investigation into whether Bolton disclosed classified information in his memoir.
Bolton told Axios at the time: "This was entirely an acquittal, they just gave up." A federal judge allowed Bolton to publish the book, but ruled that he "may have published classified material," and "harm to his country and himself could lead to civil (and even criminal) liability."
Bolton has faced death threats for strongly criticizing the Iranian regime. In 2022, an Iranian citizen was charged with allegedly plotting to assassinate Bolton.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841203186560137/
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