Former Trump aide pleads not guilty to 18 federal charges
What's the story
John Bolton (76), the former National Security Adviser to Donald Trump, has pleaded not guilty to 18 federal charges of mishandling classified information, according to BBC. The plea was entered on Friday at a federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Bolton was released on his own recognizance after the hearing and is due back in court for another hearing on November 21.
Charges explained
Allegations of sensitive information transmission
The indictment alleges that Bolton transmitted sensitive information, including top-secret intelligence, over personal email and messaging apps. The information allegedly included details of future attacks, foreign adversaries, and US foreign-policy operations. Between 2019 and 2021, his personal email account was reportedly compromised by Iran-linked individuals who may have accessed government materials.
Defense strategy
Bolton's defense and past controversies
Bolton has denied all charges, calling his actions "lawful conduct." He also accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department against its perceived opponents. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said the materials in question were diary-like records that were unclassified and known to the FBI since 2021. This isn't Bolton's first controversy over classified information; his 2020 memoir was blocked by the Trump administration over claims it contained classified content.
Political implications
Indictment adds to Trump's criticism of Bolton
Bolton's indictment makes him the third of Trump's political rivals to face criminal charges in recent months, after former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The indictment includes allegations that he shared over 1,000 pages of sensitive documents with family members. Trump has repeatedly criticized Bolton, accusing him of illegally publishing classified information and calling him a "lowlife."