WASHINGTON: Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to mishandling classified information, admitting to improperly sharing sensitive government material while working on his memoir. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang, the 77-year-old expressed remorse, telling the court, “I’m sorry for it.”
Under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Bolton agreed to a sentencing range that could result in no prison time or up to five years’ imprisonment, with the final decision left to the judge. Sentencing has been scheduled for October.
As part of the agreement, Bolton will pay a $2.25 million fine, with half due within five days of sentencing and the remainder within 90 days. He also agreed to perform up to 100 hours of community service, participate in debriefings with intelligence and Justice Department officials, and forfeit his government pension.
Bolton was accused of sharing classified information with two relatives for potential use while writing his memoir, including notes from intelligence briefings and meetings with senior U.S. officials and foreign leaders. He had previously pleaded not guilty to 18 criminal charges filed last year.
Federal prosecutors said that although Bolton improperly handled classified material, none of the classified information was ultimately published in his memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which chronicles his tenure as national security adviser during President Donald Trump’s first administration.
The book sharply criticized Trump, describing him as unfit for office and triggering a prolonged public dispute between the former adviser and the president.
Prosecutors also told the court that Bolton’s personal email account had previously been compromised by a hacker believed to be linked to Iran.
Bolton’s case is one of several high-profile prosecutions involving political opponents of President Trump by the Justice Department. However, prosecutors noted that the investigation began before Trump returned to office in 2025 and was initiated with the support of career federal prosecutors.
The court will determine Bolton’s sentence at the October hearing.