Former national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally retaining classified national defense information, concluding a case that could result in up to five years in prison. The 77-year-old, who served in President Donald Trump’s first administration before becoming a vocal critic, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang in Greenbelt, Maryland. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28.

Bolton agreed to plead guilty to a single count from an 18-count indictment filed last October, which charged him with retaining or transmitting classified materials. The government accused Bolton of sharing more than 1,000 pages of diary-like notes detailing his duties as national security adviser with family members via private email accounts while preparing a memoir, “The Room Where It Happened.” Prosecutors stated the documents contained information classified at the highest levels, including details about foreign adversaries’ plans to attack U.S. forces, human intelligence sources, covert operations, and other sensitive government deliberations.

As part of the plea agreement, Bolton will pay a fine of $2.25 million, forfeit his federal retirement benefits, submit to intelligence debriefings, and perform up to 100 hours of community service. The deal recommends capping any prison term at five years, but sentencing is ultimately at the discretion of Judge Chuang. Bolton reserves the right to withdraw his plea if the penalties exceed those terms.

During the hearing, Bolton acknowledged the accuracy of the government’s summary of his offenses and expressed remorse. "I’m sorry for it," he told the court. His legal counsel described his decision to plead guilty as an acceptance of responsibility that spared the government from a protracted trial that risked exposing additional classified information.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes emphasized that Bolton was well aware of the proper handling requirements for classified material and the national security risks posed by his actions. “No one is above the law,” Hayes said, underscoring the severity of the breach.

The investigation began before Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, with FBI searches conducted at Bolton’s Maryland residence and Washington office last August. Authorities noted that Bolton’s personal email account had been compromised by a hacker believed to be linked to Iran, who threatened to release classified material. Bolton reportedly directed officials to notify the FBI of the breach.

Bolton’s case forms part of a broader Justice Department effort under the Biden administration to prosecute mishandling of classified information, including cases involving other figures connected to Trump. Although other prosecutions of Trump political opponents have faced criticism and in some cases dismissal, Bolton chose to resolve his case through a plea deal rather than contest the charges.

Former President Trump criticized Bolton during his presidency, describing him as a reckless warmonger. In contrast, Bolton’s defense team characterized his conduct as a mistake made in the course of preserving a historical record, distinguishing it from the actions of others accused of similar offenses. The Department of Justice rejected comparisons to Trump, noting Bolton’s acknowledgment of guilt.

The case highlights ongoing tensions over the handling of classified government information and underscores the Justice Department’s stated commitment to enforcing those laws regardless of political affiliation.