John Bolton, the former national security adviser who has become one of Donald Trump's most vocal critics, is expected to plead guilty Friday to unlawfully retaining classified information. The agreement with federal prosecutors includes a $2.25 million fine.
Bolton will plead guilty to a single count related to diary entries documenting his tenure during Trump's first term. Prosecutors accused him of sharing some of this material with two relatives. The proceeding takes place in Greenbelt, Maryland, with sentencing to follow. He faces a possible range from no prison time to five years.
This represents a significant shift from his October plea of not guilty on the same mishandling charges. A source close to Bolton told NBC the reversal stemmed from his recognition of what a trial would entail. Going to court would force him to disclose classified documents needed for his defense, something he sought to avoid given national security implications involving Ukraine and the Middle East.
"This was a very difficult decision for him," the source said. "Most importantly, he is doing what leaders do and taking responsibility."
Bolton's case marks another high-profile handling of classified material prosecution. His decision to accept guilt rather than risk trial suggests the government's evidence was substantial and that public disclosure of additional secrets would carry costs Bolton and his legal team deemed unacceptable.
Author James Rodriguez: "Bolton's guilty plea is a stark reminder that no one, regardless of their political standing or post-government influence, operates beyond the law on classified material, though it's telling he's avoiding trial largely to keep more secrets buried."
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