The FBI conducted searches on Friday at the Maryland home and Washington office of John Bolton, who served as national security adviser under former President Donald Trump. This action is part of a criminal investigation into the potential mishandling of classified information, according to a source familiar with the situation. Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of Trump since his dismissal in 2019, was not in custody and has not been charged with any crimes.

The searches mark a significant move by the Justice Department against a prominent critic of the former president. This development raises concerns about the use of law enforcement to target political adversaries. The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny of Trump’s administration, which has sought to investigate the origins of the Trump-Russia probe that plagued his presidency.

Bolton was not present at his home during the search but was seen at his office building, where FBI agents were observed entering with bags. He has previously expressed awareness of the potential for retribution from Trump, stating, "Anybody who ever disagrees with Trump has to worry about retribution. It’s a pretty long list."

The Justice Department has not commented on the investigation, but social media posts from officials hinted at the search. Current FBI Director Kash Patel has criticized the agency's actions, claiming they represent a politicization of law enforcement. Trump, speaking to reporters, referred to Bolton as a "lowlife" and expressed his disdain for him.

Bolton served as Trump’s third national security adviser for 17 months, during which he had notable disagreements with Trump on issues related to Iran, North Korea, and Afghanistan. His tenure ended amid conflicts over foreign policy approaches, particularly regarding military actions and diplomatic negotiations.

After leaving the administration, Bolton published a book titled "The Room Where It Happened," which criticized Trump’s foreign policy and decision-making. The book portrayed Trump as uninformed and driven by personal political interests rather than national security concerns. Trump responded to the book by labeling Bolton a "crazy" war-monger.

The handling of classified information has been a contentious issue in recent years, with investigations into several high-profile figures, including Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. Both have faced scrutiny over their handling of classified documents, but neither has been charged.

Bolton's criticism of Trump has continued, with recent comments about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He has suggested that Trump’s motivations are tied to his desire for political gain rather than genuine concern for international stability.

In addition to his role in the Trump administration, Bolton has held significant positions in previous administrations, including serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush. He has also considered running for president in the past and remains a prominent figure in Republican foreign policy discussions.