John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty to a single count of mishandling classified information in a federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. During the hearing, Bolton acknowledged retaining national defense information and expressed remorse.

Bolton’s guilty plea marks a notable outcome in legal proceedings connected to the Trump administration. The Department of Justice (DoJ) contended that Bolton violated his position of trust by sending diary-like entries detailing his work under Trump to two relatives and by retaining classified documents at his Maryland residence after leaving his government role.

The case originally involved multiple charges, with Bolton indicted last October on eight counts of transmitting national defense information and ten counts of retaining it. He initially pleaded not guilty to all charges. Under a plea agreement with the DoJ, all but one count will be dismissed in exchange for Bolton’s admission of guilt on the remaining charge.

Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, described his client’s actions as a responsible acknowledgment of a mistake, contrasting them with allegations against Donald Trump. Lowell asserted that while Bolton’s mishandling involved keeping a diary containing classified information as a historical record, Trump was accused of removing classified documents to his Florida home, impeding investigations, and failing to accept accountability for his conduct. The DoJ previously brought a criminal case against Trump during the Biden administration, which was dismissed in 2024.

As part of the plea deal, Bolton agreed to waive his right to appeal both his conviction and sentence. He must pay a fine of $2.25 million, half of which is due within five days of sentencing, with the balance payable within 90 days. Additionally, Bolton agreed to a debriefing with intelligence and Justice Department officials, complete 100 hours of community service, and forgo any retirement benefits linked to his public service.

The charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but the plea agreement limits Bolton’s potential prison term to a maximum of five years. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28 before U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. Judge Chuang indicated that if he does not accept the terms of the plea agreement, Bolton may have the option to withdraw his guilty plea.