Fact check: Was Boltons house raided by the FBI?

1. Summary of the results

Yes, John Bolton's house was raided by the FBI. Multiple sources confirm that the FBI conducted searches of former national security adviser John Bolton's home and office as part of a national security investigation ^{[1] [2]}. The searches were specifically related to a probe into classified records and whether Bolton illegally possessed or shared classified information ^{[2] [3]}.

The investigation appears to be focused on Bolton's handling of classified documents during his tenure as national security adviser under President Trump ^[4]. Federal agents were observed outside both Bolton's residence and office during the searches ^[3]. Vice President JD Vance confirmed there was an ongoing investigation into Bolton, stating that it was not politically motivated ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual details that emerge from the analyses:

• Bolton's relationship with Trump: Bolton served as Trump's national security adviser but later became a fierce critic of the former president ^[5]. This adversarial relationship adds political complexity to the investigation.
• Trump's response: President Trump denied having prior knowledge of the FBI search ^[5], which suggests potential political implications and reactions to the investigation.
• Nature of the investigation: The search was part of a broader national security probe specifically targeting classified records, not a general criminal investigation ^{[1] [4]}. This distinction is crucial for understanding the severity and scope of the matter.
• Multiple locations searched: The FBI didn't just search Bolton's house but also his office, indicating a comprehensive investigation ^{[2] [3]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question uses the term "raided," which could be considered loaded language. While technically accurate, "raided" often implies aggressive or hostile action, whereas the sources more neutrally describe it as a "search" conducted as part of an official investigation ^{[1] [2]}.

The question also lacks specificity about timing and context, which could lead to confusion about whether this was a recent event or part of ongoing political tensions. The framing as a simple yes/no question omits the significant political and legal complexities surrounding the investigation, including Bolton's role as both a former Trump administration official and subsequent critic.