Federal agents carried out a search of former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s Maryland home on Friday morning, according to reports. But beyond the legal implications, many observers are viewing the raid as yet another escalation in Donald Trump’s pattern of targeting critics—and a fresh example of his merciless retribution strategy.

The operation centered on whether Bolton may still possess classified government documents from his time in office. Officials have not disclosed what, if anything, was seized during the search.

Bolton’s relationship with Trump collapsed years ago after his tenure as national security adviser ended in acrimony. The two clashed repeatedly on foreign policy, and Bolton later published a memoir that painted an unflattering portrait of Trump’s presidency.

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