Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton Indicted

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton…

What Happened?

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and National Security Advisor John Bolton was indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland on eighteen counts of illegally transmitting and retaining classified information. According to the indictment, Mr. Bolton allegedly sent classified information via his personal email account, which was later hacked by the Iranian government.

The charges stem from a Biden-era FBI probe, which took place after Mr. Bolton reported his email account being hacked by Iran. Mr. Bolton’s attorney said the underlying charges in the indictment were resolved years ago and that his client will be vindicated in court.

Why it Matters

Mr. Bolton is the latest in a string of high-profile former U.S. government officials to be prosecuted after President Trump publicly called for their prosecution. Former FBI Director James Comey was another top official recently indicted. Critics have alleged these prosecutions are politically motivated, and while that may not be the case, the President’s public comments to prosecute them could be construed as giving that appearance.

In Mr. Bolton’s case, the allegations against him stem from his alleged mishandling of classified information, specifically that he emailed classified material to two family members who did not have security clearances.

There are several federal laws governing classified information which stipulate that material deemed classified by the U.S. government can only be transmitted or utilized through secure channels. For example, emails containing classified information may be sent, but only when using a secure internet protocol, or SIPR, connection.

Sending classified material through an unsecure or open connection is a federal crime, although agencies that handle high volumes of classified information rarely prosecute anyone for doing so if the breach was unintentional. If someone transmits a piece of classified information through an unsecure internet protocol accidentally, typically the servers and computers will be wiped clean, and the individual will receive administrative punishment such as a reprimand, which is not the same as legal penalties.

In 2021, Mr. Bolton also faced scrutiny for allegedly putting classified information in a book he published, and there was an investigation conducted by the Department of Justice. That investigation was discontinued after officials determined that no laws had been violated by Mr. Bolton. A court date for the current case against Mr. Bolton has not yet been set.

Rarely does anyone go to jail for mishandling classified material, and those who do face imprisonment typically were involved in espionage activities, such as selling classified information to foreign governments. But Mr. Bolton’s case could set a new precedent if he is convicted.

How it Affects You

The charges against Mr. Bolton are similar to those faced by Mr. Trump when he was charged with mishandling classified information prior to re-election. While the jury will ultimately decide the case, the mere appearance of a politically motivated prosecution could help Mr. Bolton win in court.

More breaking news below…

U.S. military flexes muscle in the southern Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela continue to rise. Read more here…

Trump calls Colombian president a drug leader, threatens U.S. aid cuts and action as coca production reaches record highs. Read more here…

Bessent calls on IMF and World Bank to drop social agendas, refocus on economic reform, and hold China accountable for its policies. Read more here…

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

DIC Building 2
Dubai, Dubai 1, United Arab Emirates

Rookie’s escape acts set up ALCS Game 7

Govt Shutdown Hits Milestone; Comey Lawyer Conflict; Protest Signs ‘Incite Violence’

RJ Hamster