Kash Patel-Led FBI Raids Former US NSA John Bolton’s Home Days After His Criticism Of Trump's Tariffs On India

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton’s home in Bethesda, Maryland, was raided by FBI agents on Friday morning (22 August) as part of a documents-related investigation, Hindustan Times reported, citing Associated Press.

The search, which began around 7 am, was ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel, according to reports.

The raid comes just days after Bolton strongly criticised the Trump administration’s tariff policy, particularly its treatment of India in comparison to China.

He argued that Washington’s punitive measures against New Delhi for buying Russian oil, while exempting Beijing despite similar purchases, reflected a confused and counterproductive strategy.

Bolton warned that such steps could drive India closer to a Beijing-Moscow alignment.

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The development coincided with heightened attention on trade and foreign policy ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska.

Bolton had recently described Trump as an “aberrational president” and claimed that the India–US relationship was in “a very bad place.”

Bolton has long had a contentious relationship with Trump, clashing on issues such as Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea during his 17-month tenure as national security adviser. The administration previously sought to block the release of his memoir, alleging it contained classified material.

Earlier this year, Trump revoked the security clearances of over 40 former intelligence officials upon returning to office, with Bolton among those affected.

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