Date: June 4, 2026 l By: Dew Washer
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former United States National Security Adviser John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty in a federal classified information case, marking a dramatic turn for one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent former allies and later outspoken critics.
According to reports, Bolton reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and is expected to formally enter the guilty plea during a court hearing scheduled for June 26 in Maryland. The agreement would resolve a long-running legal battle tied to allegations that he improperly retained classified national security materials after leaving government service.
Sources familiar with the agreement said Bolton intends to plead guilty to one count related to retaining classified information. The proposed deal reportedly includes a financial penalty of approximately US$2.25 million, while sentencing recommendations could range from no prison time to a prison sentence of up to five years, subject to judicial approval.
The case stems from a broader federal investigation that resulted in an 18-count indictment filed in 2025. Prosecutors alleged that Bolton retained and transmitted sensitive national security information connected to records and diary-style notes documenting his service during Trump’s first administration.
Bolton had previously denied wrongdoing and entered a not guilty plea when charges were first announced. His legal team argued that disputed materials were connected to personal writings and memoir preparations rather than intentional mishandling of classified records.
The former adviser became a central figure in American political debates after leaving the White House and publishing a memoir that sharply criticised President Trump and described internal administration disagreements. Questions surrounding classified information and publication reviews later became part of broader legal and political disputes.
Observers say the agreement may draw renewed attention to how classified information is handled by former senior government officials and could intensify political debate over consistency in the enforcement of national security laws.
A federal judge will make the final decision on sentencing after reviewing the plea agreement later this month, bringing another closely watched chapter in Washington’s legal and political landscape toward a possible conclusion.