Ex-Trump adviser Bolton to plead guilty in classified documents case, faces $2.25 million fine

John Bolton, a former national security adviser under President Donald Trump, intends to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified information. This plea is part of a deal with federal prosecutors that includes a $2.25 million fine.

Sources familiar with the agreement stated Bolton will admit to mishandling classified information based on diary entries detailing his work during Trump's first term. The plea is expected to be entered at a court hearing on June 26. The deal recommends a sentencing range of no prison time up to five years, though a federal judge will make the final sentencing decision.

Bolton, a vocal critic of Trump, was previously indicted on 18 criminal charges, including transmission and retention of national defense information. Prosecutors had alleged he shared sensitive information with relatives for potential use in a book. The Justice Department had previously attempted to block the book's publication, citing classified information.

This case is part of a pattern of prosecutions against Trump's critics. However, unlike some other cases against former Trump associates, the investigation into Bolton reportedly began before Trump returned to office in 2025 and was brought with the backing of career federal prosecutors.