The FBI conducted a surprise raid at the Washington-area home of former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, as part of an investigation into the possible possession of classified documents. The operation, carried out under a court order, saw 4–6 agents entering Bolton’s residence with backpacks and bags, though no items have yet been confirmed as seized.

Bolton, when asked, said he was unaware of the raid and is “reviewing the matter further.”

“No one is above the law”

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X shortly after the raid: “No one is above the law… FBI agents on mission.” The timing of his statement underscored the seriousness of the case and the message the Bureau wanted to send.

NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 22, 2025

Investigation tied to classified material

The probe is believed to involve sensitive national security information. While it is not yet clear if the case is connected to Bolton’s 2020 memoir The Room Where It Happened, the Justice Department had previously investigated him for allegedly revealing classified material. That case was closed in 2021 after the Biden administration dropped its lawsuit against him.

Bolton vs. Trump: from ally to enemy

John Bolton once served at the highest levels of Republican administrations. He was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under George W. Bush and later became Trump’s National Security Adviser for 17 months.

Their relationship ended bitterly in 2019. Trump claimed he fired Bolton; Bolton insisted he resigned after sharp disagreements.

In his memoir, Bolton accused Trump of being “obsessed with media image” and even seeking help from Ukraine and China to win the 2020 election. He bluntly wrote: “Trump is unfit to be president. If the first four years were bad, the next four will be worse.”

Trump, in turn, has repeatedly attacked Bolton, calling him “stupid” and a “failed official,” even threatening imprisonment. Upon starting his second term, Trump stripped Bolton of his Secret Service protection.

Political undertones

The FBI raid comes amid what CNN describes as a period of revenge politics in Trump’s second term, with actions against opponents and former allies. This includes moves against Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

See photos from outside Bolton’s home after the FBI raid.