Bulwark Takes

BREAKING: FBI Executes Search Warrant at John Bolton’s Home (w/ Ben Wittes)

7 snips
Aug 22, 2025
Ben Wittes, a prominent writer for Lawfare and the voice behind the Dog Shirt Daily Substack, recounts the dramatic FBI raid at John Bolton's home. He shares firsthand insights from the scene and discusses Bolton's controversial tenure as National Security Advisor. They delve into the legal ramifications of the search linked to classified documents and the ongoing tensions from the Trump era. With a focus on the procedural intricacies and media reactions, Wittes highlights the broader implications for national security and public perception.
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INSIGHT

Judge-Authorized Search Of Bolton Home

  • The FBI executed a judge-approved early-morning search of John Bolton's Bethesda home tied to a national security/classified-documents probe.
  • The action implies prosecutors presented enough evidence to obtain a warrant despite prior investigations into Bolton's 2020 book.
INSIGHT

Book Review Dispute Likely Spark

  • Ben Wittes connects the raid to Bolton's 2020 book and pre-publication review dispute over allegedly classified material.
  • He notes the statute of limitations for book-related charges was running out, motivating urgent action.
ADVICE

Warrants Create A Media Moment

  • Expect theatrical early-morning search executions when authorities want maximum publicity and visual impact.
  • Remember subpoenas could suffice legally, but warrants create a public 'raid' narrative that attracts press attention.
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