John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, has pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information. The 18 charges stem from allegations he shared or retained sensitive materials, including some characterized as top secret. He entered the plea after surrendering to authorities at a federal court hearing.
Bolton served during Trump's first administration but parted with the White House contentiously, becoming one of the president's most vocal critics. The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of Trump’s political opponents to face charges recently. He stated he would defend his 'lawful conduct'.
Arriving at the courthouse in Maryland, Bolton did not speak to reporters but stated, 'Not guilty, your honor.' He was released on his own recognizance, with a hearing set for 21 November. Prosecutors claim Bolton used personal messaging apps and email to illegally transmit sensitive information, revealing intelligence about future attacks and foreign policy relations.
He insisted his actions were lawful, asserting that he is being targeted by the Justice Department for standing against Trump. The indictment includes allegations that he shared diary-like entries with unnamed individuals and notes that his emails had been hacked by an actor linked to Iran.
Bolton’s attorney described the records as unclassified and argued they were shared only with immediate family.
The indictment also delves into Bolton's history of scrutiny regarding classified information handling, especially concerning a book about his time in office, which the Justice Department tried to block due to potential classified content. Trump's administration frequently criticized Bolton publicly, calling his book release illegal and labeling him various derogatory terms.
As political tensions escalate around Bolton's case, the legal proceedings have captured significant media attention.
Bolton served during Trump's first administration but parted with the White House contentiously, becoming one of the president's most vocal critics. The indictment makes Bolton, 76, the third of Trump’s political opponents to face charges recently. He stated he would defend his 'lawful conduct'.
Arriving at the courthouse in Maryland, Bolton did not speak to reporters but stated, 'Not guilty, your honor.' He was released on his own recognizance, with a hearing set for 21 November. Prosecutors claim Bolton used personal messaging apps and email to illegally transmit sensitive information, revealing intelligence about future attacks and foreign policy relations.
He insisted his actions were lawful, asserting that he is being targeted by the Justice Department for standing against Trump. The indictment includes allegations that he shared diary-like entries with unnamed individuals and notes that his emails had been hacked by an actor linked to Iran.
Bolton’s attorney described the records as unclassified and argued they were shared only with immediate family.
The indictment also delves into Bolton's history of scrutiny regarding classified information handling, especially concerning a book about his time in office, which the Justice Department tried to block due to potential classified content. Trump's administration frequently criticized Bolton publicly, calling his book release illegal and labeling him various derogatory terms.
As political tensions escalate around Bolton's case, the legal proceedings have captured significant media attention.
