In a preview of his future interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vice President JD Vance stated that the government has broad concerns regarding former National Security Advisor John Bolton after an FBI raid on his house.
Moderator Kristen Welker questioned Vance about the search during the segment.
Welker, Kristen:We now know that former Ambassador John Bolton’s office and residence are being searched by the FBI. Could you explain the purpose of the FBI’s property raid on Ambassador Bolton? Was there any advance notice to the White House?
Vance:The investigation against John Bolton is still in its very early phases. The law, not politics, will direct our law enforcement forces. There will be prosecutions if crimes are discovered. At the moment, this is about obtaining evidence regarding issues that we are worried about.
In response to a question about whether classified materials were the focus of the inquiry, Vance stated that they were, but that there were more significant issues with Bolton. He made it clear that if there was proof of crimes, Bolton would have his day in court.
Welker also inquired as to whether Bolton had been placed under arrest. “I presume that he has not been detained and will not be detained until there is an actual prosecution, if that occurs,” Vance retorted.
Given Bolton’s past as a critic of President Trump and his inclusion on Kash Patel’s “enemies list,” Vance rejected the notion that the raid would be political payback.
“No, absolutely not,” he responded. If that were our goal, we would simply start prosecutions, similar to the Biden DOJ’s charges that were ultimately dismissed by the court. If the DOJ files a prosecution, it will be because they think Bolton violated the law, not because he doesn’t share our political views.
Welker persisted, pointing out that some view the action as retaliation. Vance retorted: Many who claim that are also the ones who attempted to imprison Donald Trump on false pretenses. People will realize that this probe is motivated by the law and the national interest rather than retaliation if it is let to continue.
