Former Defense Secretary and ex-CIA Director Leon Panetta used CNN Friday night to take a shot at President Donald Trump, raising questions about whether the FBI’s raid on John Bolton was politically motivated.
Panetta told host Erin Burnett that it was “hard not to conclude there’s some targeting going on” after federal agents stormed Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office Friday morning.
“When you step back and look at the criticism Bolton has made of the president, and how sensitive President Trump is about those attacks, it’s hard not to see some targeting here,” Panetta claimed.
FBI Raid Raises Serious Questions
The raid centered on classified documents allegedly taken by Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser and longtime critic. While Bolton has not been charged, agents seized materials as part of the search.
This is not Bolton’s first clash with the Trump administration. His 2020 memoir, which insiders say revealed sensitive details from the White House, sparked national controversy. That case was dropped in 2021 under former President Joe Biden.
Trump Fires Back
President Trump did not mince words when asked about the raid.
“He’s not a smart guy. But he could be a very unpatriotic guy,” Trump said. “I just saw it this morning. They did a raid. He’s a lowlife.”
Trump made it clear that Bolton’s betrayal — first through his book and now through the FBI’s investigation — has left little doubt about where his former adviser stands.
Vice President Vance Responds
Vice President JD Vance attempted to downplay accusations that the raid was retaliation against a Trump critic, saying it was unrelated to Bolton’s harsh words against the president. But conservatives are skeptical, pointing to a long history of selective justice aimed at Trump and his allies.
Why It Matters
This latest episode shows just how far the Washington establishment will go when it comes to President Trump. Bolton may be the target today, but the bigger picture is clear: powerful institutions in Washington still have Trump in their crosshairs.
Conservatives see it as yet another reminder of the double standard in our justice system — one set of rules for Trump and his supporters, and another for everyone else.