Renée DiResta, a Lawfare contributing editor and disinformation expert, and Michael Feinberg, an incoming public service fellow and former FBI agent, dive into the intricate world of national security. They discuss the recent FBI raid on John Bolton, exploring its implications for Trump’s critics and the legal landscape. The conversation also touches on security clearance revocations and the political dynamics surrounding them. With humor and insight, they navigate the complex interplay between politics, law enforcement, and social media's role in shaping public perception.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
On-Scene Account Of The Bolton Raid
Benjamin Wittes witnessed the FBI raid at John Bolton's Bethesda home and described conventional search-warrant execution activity.
He observed FBI agents carrying out boxes and Montgomery County police sealing the street during the operation.
insights INSIGHT
Raid Publicity Signals A Messaging Strategy
The FBI's immediate leaks and media feeding around the raid suggest a pronounced messaging component to the operation.
That publicity behavior departs from past practice and invites scrutiny regardless of underlying facts.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Delay Public Comment Until Charges
Avoid public commentary by senior DOJ/FBI leaders about ongoing investigations before charging to protect due process and agent safety.
Reserve public statements until after formal charging documents exist to prevent prejudicial impact.
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This week, Scott sat down with old and new Lawfare colleagues—Benjamin Wittes, Renée DiResta, and Michael Feinberg—to talk through the week’s big national security news stories, including:
“An Old Fashioned Anti Raid.” Former Trump National Security Advisor (turned Trump critic) John Bolton got a rude awakening this past week when the FBI conducted a raid at his home, reportedly on the grounds that he is believed to have retained classified information from his time in office. It’s the latest in a recent spate of (well publicized) investigations targeting Trump’s critics and enemies, including a series of mortgage fraud investigations into Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook (who Trump now purports to have removed for cause), New York Attorney General Letitia James (which coincided with a photo shoot that Justice Department official Ed Martin did, uninvited, outside of her home), and Senator Adam Schiff. How big a threat are such investigations to Trump’s enemies? And what will their long-term implications be for the Justice Department?
“Uncleared and Present Danger.” Last week, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard pulled security clearances from 37 current and former intelligence officials on the purported grounds that they had “abused the public trust by politicizing and manipulating intelligence, leaking classified intelligence without authorization, and/or committing intentional egregious violations of tradecraft standards.” Those affected range from current senior intelligence officials to former officials who have been out of government for years to current senior congressional staffers. What are the consequences likely to be of Gabbard’s actions and what does it show about the Trump administration’s approach to national security agencies?
“Blue Sky Thinking.” In response to a state law mandating age verification for anyone seeking to use social media platforms, Bluesky has opted to shut down its services in the state of Mississippi. What does this sort of response tell us about the trajectory of state and federal regulations, and what the impact might ultimately be on the internet?
In Object Lessons, Ben is letting The Algorithm light his way—literally—with solar-powered sunflower lights. Renée, not to be outdone, also bows before our algorithmic overlord and wants you to stream Red Bull’s YouTube dance battles. Scott is using his green thumb to plant the seeds of some versatile green fruit. And Michael is going less horticultural, more horrifying, by planting horror movie props around his house—because nothing says “I love you” like a severed head in the fridge.
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