John Bolton, President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, pleaded guilty Friday to one felony count of unlawfully retaining classified information, resolving a criminal case stemming from his mishandling of sensitive national security records after leaving office.
Under the plea agreement, Bolton admitted to retaining classified information contained in a private diary entry, a charge carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, an amount nearly equivalent to the sales of his 2020 memoir that was heavily critical of the first Trump administration.
Real journalism.Trusted by millions.
Unlimited access to in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and the stories that shape our country.
Already a member? Log in
