FBI Searches John Bolton's Home, Prompting Reactions from Former Trump Allies

The FBI conducted a search of former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s home on Friday, reportedly in connection with his alleged possession of classified documents. This action has sparked a range of reactions, particularly among those who previously supported the FBI’s search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in August 2022.

Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, is now facing scrutiny similar to that which Trump experienced. The search has raised concerns among some former Trump allies about the implications for political discourse and law enforcement.

Olivia Troye, a former Homeland Security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, expressed her disapproval on social media, stating, “When Kash Patel turns the FBI into Trump’s revenge squad, that’s not justice, it’s authoritarianism. This is intimidation, not law enforcement. Every American should be alarmed.”

Troye’s comments highlight a perceived inconsistency among critics of Trump regarding the use of federal law enforcement. She had previously speculated on CNN about Trump’s handling of classified documents during the Mar-a-Lago raid, indicating a shift in her stance now that Bolton is involved.

Former NBC host Chuck Todd also weighed in, questioning the decisions made by Senate Republicans who supported Patel’s confirmation. He remarked, “The senators who were bullied into confirming Kash Patel, how are you feeling today? It’s not like you weren’t warned that this guy would be comfortable politicizing the agency.”

Critics of the FBI’s actions have pointed to what they see as a double standard. Asawin Suebsaeng, a journalist for Rolling Stone, commented on Bluesky, “You do not have to like John Bolton to see this for what it is. An openly lawless administration and Republican Party that pretends to hate the ‘Deep State’ is merely expanding it.”

Suebsaeng’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the politicization of law enforcement. He previously noted that Trump claimed victimhood during the Mar-a-Lago raid, suggesting that public sentiment may have influenced perceptions of the legality of such actions.

Jonah Goldberg, a political commentator, criticized the FBI’s search of Bolton’s home, stating, “Thank goodness the era of weaponizing the justice system and national security lawfare has come to an end.” However, he had defended the Mar-a-Lago raid as “entirely justified.”

Other former Trump allies, including Adam Kinzinger and Bill Kristol, expressed alarm over the search of Bolton’s residence. Kinzinger stated, “The Bolton raid should chill you,” while Kristol questioned the motivations behind the search, asking, “How do you spell I-N-T-I-M-I-D-A-T-I-O-N?”

The contrasting reactions to the FBI’s actions against Trump and Bolton underscore a significant divide within political discourse. Critics argue that the current administration’s use of the FBI reflects a troubling trend of politicization, while supporters maintain that such actions are necessary for upholding the law.

As the situation develops, the implications for both Bolton and the broader political landscape remain to be seen. The search has reignited debates about the role of federal law enforcement in political matters and the potential consequences for those who oppose the current administration.