Former national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty Friday to one count of mishandling classified information. The plea resolves one of 18 counts brought against him last year.
Bolton admitted to illegally retaining classified material while writing his memoir, The Room Where It Happened. Prosecutors said he shared more than 1,000 pages with his wife and daughter, including details on intelligence about an adversary’s plans and covert action programs.
Under the agreement, Bolton will pay a $2.25 million fine and faces up to five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for October 28.
The investigation began in 2020 and led to an FBI search of his Maryland home in August 2025. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes noted that Bolton knew the risks of mishandling such information.
Bolton told the judge he was sorry for the violation.
