Former National Security Adviser John Bolton to Plead Guilty to Retaining Classified Information

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty to one federal count of retaining national security information, marking a major reversal in a high-profile classified documents case. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed to NBC News that Bolton has reached a deal with federal prosecutors that includes paying more than 2 million dollars in restitution and carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Bolton, who served under President Donald Trump before becoming a fierce public critic of the administration, was indicted last October for mishandling classified materials. The president previously blasted his former adviser following the indictment, labeling him a bad guy. The forthcoming guilty plea represents a significant legal victory in the administration's multifaceted campaign targeting high-profile political critics.

The development arrives amid a broader reshuffling of the nation's top law enforcement and intelligence leadership. President Trump recently announced his intention to formally nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as the permanent head of the Department of Justice. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal defense attorney, has already drawn stiff opposition from congressional Democrats. Critics argue that a president's personal lawyer should not lead the independent Justice Department, while Republican lawmakers have predicted a successful confirmation battle, praising Blanche as an honest and ethical choice for the role.

Simultaneously, the White House is addressing bipartisan pushback regarding the appointment of current housing chief Bill Pulte to serve as the acting director of national intelligence. Responding to concerns from both sides of the aisle over Pulte's background, President Trump clarified Thursday that the posting is strictly temporary. The president noted that administration officials are actively interviewing candidates to fill the permanent intelligence directorship.

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