The Department of Justice signaled Friday that former national security adviser John Bolton may face even more legal trouble, revealing that “potential other charges” could be added to his criminal case involving allegedly mishandled classified documents.
Lead prosecutor Thomas Sullivan raised the possibility during a court hearing, noting that the government is still sifting through the case material. Bolton is accused of sending “diary-like entries” about his daily work in the Trump White House to relatives, as well as retaining classified documents at his Maryland home after leaving his role as President Trump’s adviser.
Before Bolton’s legal team can review the materials, prosecutors said the intelligence community must first examine the evidence—an additional layer of scrutiny that is slowing the process.
Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, alluded to the looming possibility of more charges, remarking in court, “Maybe they’ll try to bring others — I hope not.” The Hill reported that Lowell has been contacted for further comment.
A trial date has not yet been set. Both sides are grappling with a lengthy discovery process due to the large volume of classified information. The timeline could stretch into May, potentially delaying proceedings for months.
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang, an Obama appointee, reluctantly agreed to extend the discovery schedule and set at least one additional status conference for October. But he expressed clear frustration with the slow-moving case.
“I understand the sensitive nature here, but at the same time, this is a criminal case,” the judge said, questioning whether the Justice Department was adequately prepared when it moved forward with the indictment. Chuang suggested that a “good prosecutor” would have been ready with discovery materials the day charges were filed.
Prosecutors defended their timeline, explaining that the intelligence community must carefully review the documents and that a “filter team” is working to separate out any attorney-client privileged material. Lowell acknowledged the unusual nature of the case, noting it is “not the typical” Espionage Act matter and agreeing to the schedule for now. However, he left open the possibility of returning to court if the process drags on.
Bolton, who did not attend Friday’s hearing, has pleaded not guilty. He has repeatedly portrayed the prosecution as part of what he claims is President Trump’s campaign of retribution against political adversaries—a narrative Bolton has leaned into since becoming one of Trump’s outspoken critics after leaving the administration.
The DOJ, meanwhile, has shown a willingness in recent months to bring charges against several prominent Trump antagonists. The department has also charged former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), and is investigating additional figures long at odds with the president.
As Bolton’s case grows more complicated and prosecutors hint at further charges, the legal and political stakes continue to escalate—underscoring how fraught and contentious classified-records cases have become in the post-Trump era.
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