Former National Security Adviser John Bolton — one of President Trump’s most relentless critics — is expected to plead guilty in his classified documents case, according to multiple reports Thursday.
ABC News reported that Bolton is expected to enter a guilty plea, citing sources familiar with the matter. CNN separately reported that the former Trump adviser is expected to plead guilty to one count of illegally retaining sensitive national security documents and pay a staggering $2 million fine.
If finalized, the plea would mark a stunning downfall for the hawkish former ambassador who spent years publicly blasting Trump after leaving the White House.
Bolton surrendered to federal authorities in October 2025 after being hit with Espionage Act charges tied to his alleged handling of classified materials.
Prosecutors accused Bolton of keeping and sharing highly sensitive national security information, including diary entries documenting his day-to-day activities as Trump’s national security adviser.
According to the indictment, the notes detailed classified briefings, meetings and government operations. CNN reported that prosecutors alleged Bolton shared some of those entries with his wife and daughter.
Federal agents raided Bolton’s Maryland home in August 2025, seizing documents marked “secret,” “confidential” and “classified,” along with electronic devices and files, according to court records.
The former Trump adviser denied wrongdoing after the indictment, accusing Trump of pursuing a politically motivated vendetta.
But now, according to reports, Bolton appears poised to change course.
The reported plea deal has not yet been publicly confirmed by Bolton or the Justice Department.
Bolton served as Trump’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019 before the relationship imploded in spectacular fashion. Since then, he has become one of the president’s most vocal Republican critics, frequently attacking Trump in interviews, books and television appearances.
The expected guilty plea would represent a remarkable twist for the longtime Washington insider.
The man turned out to be a major disappointment. At one time we had high hopes for him but those days are over.