For someone who once held the esteemed position of National Security Advisor, John Bolton's recent actions suggest a surprising lack of discretion and foresight. According to a shocking indictment released yesterday, Bolton spent over a year emailing his family every intriguing detail of his tenure, ostensibly for a future memoir. These communications, conducted via less secure channels like AOL and Gmail, included sensitive national defense information.

In a particularly telling exchange from July 23, 2018, Bolton excitedly messaged, “More stuff coming!!!” to his family, followed by a 24-page document detailing classified information he learned on the job. His subsequent message, “None of which we talk about!!!”, was met with a hushed response from one of the recipients: “Shhhhh.”

The situation took a darker turn when Iranian hackers reportedly accessed these emails. They taunted Bolton, comparing the potential scandal to Hillary Clinton’s infamous email leak, but this time potentially staining the GOP’s reputation.

Bolton's book, "The Room Where It Happened," portrays former President Trump in a less than flattering light, covering events like Trump’s alleged pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky to dig up dirt on Joe Biden. Despite the sensitive nature of his revelations and the precedent set by figures like former CIA Director David Patraeus—who faced legal repercussions for mishandling classified information—Bolton seemed oblivious to the personal risks involved.

Trump, ever vindictive according to Bolton's narrative, had already tried to suppress the book through a prepublication review in 2020, a process Bolton circumvented by publishing without official clearance. Now, with Trump back in power, the stakes are higher, and Bolton faces an 18-count indictment under the Espionage Act.

Legal experts like Mark Zaid and the group at National Security Counselors have commented on the indictment, noting that while the charges might seem weaker compared to allegations against Trump, they nonetheless underscore a troubling norm among high-level officials who mishandle sensitive information.

The indictment, signed by U.S. Attorney for Maryland Kelly Hayes and other high-profile legal authorities, contrasts starkly with other less substantiated charges seen in recent years, signaling serious legal troubles ahead for Bolton.

The case, officially titled US v. Bolton, continues to develop, with more insights and potential ramifications expected as it unfolds through the judicial system.