politics
John Bolton plans to plead guilty in classified documents case, sources say
Updated on: June 4, 2026 / 12:26 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- John Bolton is reportedly planning to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information.
- He is expected to pay a $2.25 million fine as part of a plea agreement.
- Bolton was indicted last year on 18 counts related to handling sensitive government information.
- The plea deal does not allege wrongdoing concerning the publication of his book or sharing information with media or foreign adversaries.
- The sentencing range for the single count is zero to 60 months incarceration.
- Bolton claims he is a victim of President Trump's attempts to "intimidate his opponents."
- Prosecutors alleged Bolton shared over 1,000 pages of information with relatives through a messaging app and personal email accounts.
- Information shared was reportedly up to the top secret and sensitive compartmented information level.
- Bolton's email account was reportedly hacked by an actor believed to be tied to Iran after he left the White House.