John Bolton, US national security adviser during President Donald Trump's first term, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of retaining classified information, according to US media reports.
Bolton, who has turned into an outspoken critic of Trump, could face a $2.2 million fine but avoid prison time under a deal with the US Justice Department, the Associated Press and CNN reported.Why is Bolton facing charges?
In August 2025, federal agents raided Bolton's home and office and a criminal case was filed in October that year.
The former presidential adviser was charged with 18 counts of either retaining or disseminating classified information. He pleaded not guilty at the time.
Bolton was accused of sharing diary-like notes from his time in government with two of his relatives while he was preparing his White House memoir.
