Former Trump Adviser John Bolton to Plead Guilty in Classified Documents Case

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in a case involving the mishandling of sensitive national security documents, according to multiple U.S. media reports.

Bolton, who served as national security adviser during President Donald Trump’s first administration, is expected to plead guilty to one count of illegally retaining classified national security information. The agreement reportedly includes a financial penalty exceeding $2 million and could help him avoid a lengthy legal battle over the charges.

Court records indicate that Bolton is scheduled to appear before a federal court in Maryland on June 26, where he is expected to formally enter the guilty plea. The development marks a significant shift from his earlier stance after he pleaded not guilty to the charges when first arraigned in October 2025.

Federal prosecutors had accused Bolton of unlawfully retaining and transmitting sensitive national defense information. The indictment alleged that he shared classified materials, including notes from intelligence briefings and meetings with senior U.S. officials and foreign leaders, with family members while working on a book project.

The case originally involved 18 counts under the Espionage Act, including charges related to the transmission and retention of national defense information. Investigators also alleged that some classified documents were kept at Bolton’s Maryland residence and on personal electronic devices.

Bolton, a longtime foreign policy figure and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, became one of Trump’s most outspoken critics after leaving the White House. He later published a memoir detailing his experiences within the administration.

Legal experts note that while the guilty plea could carry a maximum prison sentence of up to five years, plea agreements often result in reduced penalties. The final outcome will depend on the court’s decision during sentencing.

Neither Bolton’s legal team nor the U.S. Department of Justice immediately provided detailed public comments on the reported agreement.

The case has attracted significant attention due to Bolton’s prominent role in U.S. national security policy and the broader debate surrounding the handling of classified government information by former senior officials.