Trump Adviser Bolton Pleads Guilty Over Secret Files
John Bolton was a top security adviser to President Trump. He agreed to plead guilty to keeping secret government files.
Bolton shared private classified notes with his wife and daughter. Neither of them had permission to see secret files.
He was also accused of mishandling secret files while writing a book about Trump. The US Department of Justice charged Bolton in 2025 with 18 counts.
The plea deal covers only one of those counts. Bolton must pay a $2.25 million fine.
He could also face up to five years in prison. But the deal may let him avoid prison entirely. A court hearing is set for June 26 in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Klear Note — Classified files contain secret government information. Sharing them without permission is illegal. Bolton wrote a book about his time working for Trump.
Key Terms 3
- plea deal An agreement where someone admits guilt in exchange for a lighter punishment
- classified notes Secret government documents that only approved people can read
- Department of Justice The US government body that handles federal law and criminal charges