John Bolton, Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, arrived in federal court to surrender himself to authorities on charges of mishandling classified information.
The 18 charges stem from allegations that he shared or retained sensitive material, including some that was described as top secret.
Bolton served during Trump’s first administration but controversially broke away from the White House, becoming one of the president’s most public critics.
Under the indictment, Bolton (76 years old) became the third political opponent of the US President to face charges in recent weeks. Bolton said he would defend his “lawful conduct.”
Prosecutors accused Bolton of using personal messaging applications and email to illegally transmit sensitive information.
“These documents revealed intelligence about future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign policy relationships,” prosecutors wrote.
In response to the accusations, Bolton said he would defend his “lawful conduct.”
He added, “He has become the latest target in the Justice Department’s arming to bring charges against those who are accused.” [Trump] He considers them his enemies on charges that were previously dropped or the facts distorted.”