(Daily Signal)—Hello, this is Victor Davis Hanson for The Daily Signal. Last week, the FBI—under the aegis of the Department of Justice—raided John Bolton, the former national security adviser to President Donald Trump during his first term. And they raided his home and his house. And they took away documents, which allegedly, the target of the raid were these documents.
Bolton was not arrested. He was not indicted. There was no effort aimed at him personally. But the accusation, apparently, was that he had removed classified documents.
Almost immediately, the Left and the “Never Trump” Right, said, “See, we told you Donald Trump is on a revenge tour. First it was John Brennan, and then James Clapper, then James Comey. He’ll go after Anthony Fauci. Anybody that doesn’t have a pardon is fair game.”
But there’s more to the story than that. In 2019, when Trump fired John Bolton as national security adviser, he was writing a book. And he sold that book on the premise that he had been in the room. The title was, essentially, “This happened in the room” or “What happened in the room.” And he took prodigious notes.
So, he was supposed to be this anti-Trump, high-level appointee and famous in the conservative circles as a war hawk and interventionist. But he had intimate knowledge about how Donald Trump functioned abroad with major allies and enemies and rivals and neutrals and how he was at home. And he wrote this damning book, memoir about Trump.
The Trump DOJ said, “He’s just trying to write this right during the campaign season. And he’s a surrogate for the Biden campaign, in his bitterness. He’s angry. But more importantly, he is using this classified information through the filter of the notes he took and he is going to hurt U.S. national security.”
So, they filed, the DOJ, a motion to stop the publication.
The book was almost out. A federal judge, Royce Lamberth, looked at it and he thought—he basically said, “Well, I can’t really stop the book. It’s gonna be released in a few days.” But in kind of a rare excursus, he said, “John Bolton, you’re doing something wrong. You are violating, likely, national security laws. And if you don’t stop, you’ll be subject, at some point, to criminal prosecution.” And then he let it rest.
Then the DOJ kept investigating. Donald Trump lost the election. During the transition, they looked at it—the Biden transition. When President Joe Biden came into office, they dropped it by June. Six months.
So now the question is, did they go in to get these documents last week because they were on a revenge tour? Retribution against Bolton because he’s been all over left-wing cable news, specifically CNN and, more importantly, MSNBC. And he’s been blasting Donald Trump on everything: the Iran bombing, the Ukraine war, using federal troops in Washington. And therefore, he made himself a target. And this is “old hat,” that he says. “Everybody has adjudicated this.”
There’s two things to watch to see whether Bolton is accurate. But I would, before I’d finish, by talking about those two criteria. I will say that when Donald Trump’s home was raided on Aug. 9, 2022, John Bolton spoke out. And he said, “Let’s not prejudge, you,” basically, you pro-Trumpers, “let’s just let all the evidence, you know, be seen before we make snap judgments.” Meaning, you know, he’s probably guilty.
But more importantly, then he said, “Donald Trump was just—anything that came across his desk. He saw french fries, he got ’em. He saw classified documents, he did, just because he could.” And then on another occasion, “He has no respect for classification. And that’s a lie, that he personally classified these.”
So, he was very critical of anybody who objected to what he thought was an FBI-legitimate raid on Mar-a-Lago.
Now it’s ironic. We’ll see if he uses the same tropes and themes to protect himself in the way that he blasted Trump about a similar raid. But what we’re looking at is to see if it was justified or whether it was vengeful. And if it’s just about an old matter four years ago that the Biden administration, for political reasons, dropped, but a federal judge said, “You know what? There’s something there,“ but it was dropped, to go back and rehash that I don’t think is gonna be worth it.
And maybe it was a vengeful shot across the bow to Bolton. He probably wouldn’t be charged. But also, to other people like Comey and Clapper and Brennan, Fauci, Mark Milley: “All of you, be careful. You’ve done something wrong and we’re gonna investigate you. And that’s gonna cost you a lot of money for legal counsel.” That would not be good, if that were true.
But here’s why I don’t think it’s quite like that. To get the FBI’s permission to go into the Bolton home, you had to have two different federal judges examine the request—the permission to enter the Bolton home and office. And they did give it. And they’re disinterested third parties.
Second, why did the Biden administration drop this investigation? They never even told us. And apparently, they dropped it because Bolton had become an ally of the Left. And they did not want to put him in legal jeopardy.
And third, and finally, there were leaks, rumors that the FBI went in there not to examine the old charges of his notes that were used improperly to write his critical anti-Trump book, but because there had been allegations, for a long time, that John Bolton transferred classified information. That doesn’t mean he downloaded attachments, necessarily—CIA or FBI analyses or national security assessments. It just meant that he was trying to transfer some information that he should not to his family, as if he could evade surveillance by intelligence authorities of any impropriety.
If he did that and he actually—as some of the rumors say—then it’s a different story. That would be new information.
And that would mean that John Bolton—maybe to write his notes, maybe to enhance his career as a consultant, or think tanker, or as an author, or just a gadfly—was going back and looking at things that transpired during his first-term service. And it was only a year. But nevertheless, to chronicle it, he didn’t just write it down in his notebook, which could be found and subpoenaed, but he sent emails to particular people, namely his family, to memorialize that. If that’s true, he has legal jeopardy.
So it’s either, likely, something that should not have happened—a vengeful tour, revenge, retribution, payback. I think, more likely, there’s something there or two—as I said—two federal judges would not have given permission to look. And if he did transfer files that were classified, the penalties fall under the Espionage Act. And they can be over 10 to 20 years in imprisonment.
So, we’ll see what’s going to happen. But meanwhile, the Left is alleging retribution. And the Trump DOJ and FBI said, “Just hold it. Hold it. Hold it. Wait till you read the actual request for an intervention or so-called raid. And let’s see what we found and then make an assessment.”
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
Now the FBI and the federal judges are disinterested. Got it. They are trying to make the absurd case they are objective.
When did that happen? The lies and misinformation pushed by the right is no different than the lies on the left.
“The lies and misinformation pushed by the right is no different than the lies on the left.”
Your discernment ability is greatly lacking.
To say there is no difference is delusional. Who weaponized the government like what happened? The left. We want justice because it was obvious the left broke the laws. It is not payback to call for justice.
Retribution is ‘punishment of an individual in response to wrongful acts’ and there have plenty of those committed. Bolton no doubt committed illegal acts regarding classified material, but probably one-tenth as many as Crooked Hillary.
Justifying bad behavior by pointing to other bad behavior. The strongest foundation for a losing argument.
Defending criminal activity by claiming others do it is even worse. If Bolton broke the law he needs to be punished.
Vic Hanson is a sophist classics professor, a double talking anti-Trump RINO. I see no details here which he wrote that are not known. It is the usual signaling that “I am a conservative” while issuing backhanded attacks on Trump.
This is about Bolton breaking the law, nothing else. Notice how Vic takes both sides.
This is some of the worst writing I have ever had to read through. If this was submitted to an English teacher, it would be returned full of red marks.
That ship sailed a long time ago.