Slate Daily Feed What Next | What the John Bolton Raid Means
Aug 27, 2025
Shane Harris, a national security and intelligence writer for The Atlantic, dives into the complex implications of the FBI's raid on John Bolton. He discusses the retaliatory tactics used by the Trump administration against dissenting voices, highlighting Bolton's controversial role as national security advisor. The conversation touches on the chilling effects this raid has on journalism and the broader national security landscape, revealing a troubling trend where silence is enforced through fear and legal threats.
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Raid As Political Retribution
- The Bolton raid fits a pattern of retribution against critics of the president within government circles.
- Shane Harris argues this signals a new phase of a political war on the intelligence and national security community.
Bolton's Brief, Combative Tenure
- John Bolton served as national security advisor from April 2018 to September 2019 and has a hawkish, combative reputation.
- Shane Harris describes Bolton as a divisive, highly visible conservative pundit who embraced that persona.
Manuscript Review Split Reveals Politics
- Bolton submitted his manuscript for review and edited it after career officials flagged potential classified content.
- A secret White House review later claimed the manuscript was full of classified material, suggesting political motives.
