Former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton has reached a plea deal on charges related to the unlawful transmission and retention of national defense information. The deal involves a $2.25 million payment and caps any potential prison time at five years, with the judge ultimately deciding on incarceration. This agreement has drawn criticism for potentially allowing a connected individual to avoid substantial punishment, especially after Iran reportedly gained access to classified US intelligence through Bolton’s actions.

• John Bolton, former Trump National Security Advisor and Iran critic, has agreed to a plea deal on spying-related charges.
• The deal involves a payment of $2.25 million and caps potential prison time at a maximum of five years.
• Bolton pleaded guilty to a single count of illegal retention of national defense information.
• The plea deal has been criticized for potentially allowing a well-connected individual to avoid significant jail time.
• Iran reportedly gained access to classified US intelligence from Bolton’s AOL account, including emails and a diary.
• Bolton’s book, based on his diary, profited from information that may have been derived from classified material.
• The Justice Department’s indictment noted that Iran-linked hackers likely accessed classified US national defense information on Bolton’s account.