FBI Seizes Phones, Documents, Electronics From Bolton's Home During Espionage Probe

Federal agents executed a search warrant at President Donald Trump's former National Security Adviser John Bolton's residence and office in August 2025, seizing multiple electronic devices, including iPhones, laptops, hard drives, USB drives, and numerous documents labeled 'Trump I-IV' and related to allied military strikes. The investigation centers on potential violations of the Espionage Act and unauthorized retention of classified documents during Bolton's tenure from April 2018 to his departure in 2019. Though Bolton has not been charged with any crime, court records reveal the FBI's focus on classified materials and defense-related information allegedly mishandled by Bolton. The search was justified by evidence suggesting the presence of contraband or items connected to criminal activity, with concerns that Bolton might conceal or destroy evidence if aware of the investigation. Bolton has been publicly critical of Trump's policies, and the investigation draws parallels to previous charges against Trump for similar alleged offenses, which were dropped following Trump's 2024 election. Media organizations successfully pushed for the unsealing of court documents, increasing transparency about the ongoing espionage inquiry.