Former National Security Adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on June 28 to a single felony count of illegally retaining classified national defense documents. Under a plea deal, the 77-year-old faces up to five years in prison, a $2.25 million fine, and loss of his federal pension, with sentencing scheduled for October 28. Bolton had previously told CNN in 2023 that federal charges against President Donald Trump for mishandling classified materials should end Trump’s career. In a Truth Social post, Trump responded to Bolton’s admission of guilt by calling him mentally unfit and destructive, and expressing hope that he would receive a severe punishment. The case against Trump was dismissed in 2024 on constitutional grounds. Bolton’s attorney said his client took responsibility for a mistake.