John Bolton, former national security adviser to Donald Trump, pleaded guilty today to mishandling classified documents. The charge, a single count of unauthorised removal and retention of classified material, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Bolton admitted to taking sensitive documents from the White House and later discussing them in a memoir without proper clearance.
The case underscores the gap between the powerful and the ordinary worker, who faces harsh penalties for far lesser offences. For the trade unionists and factory workers I speak to, this is yet another reminder that the rules apply differently depending on your postcode and paycheck. Bolton's plea comes amid a wider crackdown on leaks and disclosures, but critics argue it is selective justice.
The cost of this trial, paid by taxpayers, could have funded hundreds of public sector jobs. As the gavel falls, the real question remains: who guards the guardians?
