John Bolton, the former national security adviser to Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty to charges of leaking classified information in a case that mirrors the UK's Official Secrets Act. Sources confirm the plea was entered in a federal court this morning, marking a stunning reversal for the hawkish figure who once championed government transparency.
Uncovered documents reveal Bolton communicated sensitive details about US intelligence operations to a journalist, violating protocols designed to protect national security. The prosecution argued that his actions endangered assets and compromised methods. Bolton's lawyers attempted to frame the leaks as whistleblowing, but the court rejected the defence.
This case echoes the British tradition of holding officials accountable for unauthorised disclosures. Unlike the US's Espionage Act, the UK's Official Secrets Act often results in swift convictions. Bolton's guilty plea avoids a trial but guarantees a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The fallout is immediate. Political allies are scrambling to distance themselves, while critics call for a broader investigation into Trump-era leaks. Bolton's admission raises questions about how many other officials have skirted the law. The money trail suggests Bolton may have profited from book deals tied to his leaks, a detail prosecutors are likely to pursue.
In the newsroom, the phones won't stop ringing. Every source has a different angle, but the core is unchanged: power unchecked leads to rot. Bolton thought he was above the law. He was wrong.
