politics

John Bolton plans to plead guilty in classified documents case, sources say

Updated on: June 4, 2026 / 12:26 PM EDT / CBS News

John Bolton plans to plead guilty in classified documents case, sources say

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.