FBI’s Bolton search should be a wake-up call

Plus, the National Guard troops in D.C. are now carrying weapons |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 THE LATEST The John Bolton search should be a wake-up call By Norman Eisen and Andrew Warren The John Bolton search should be a wake-up call By Norman Eisen and Andrew Warren Early Friday morning, FBI agents searched the home of John Bolton, an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump who previously served as his national security adviser. The early-morning knock on Bolton's door should be a wake-up call to every American. This escalation in the Trump administration's use of law enforcement to target political opposition marks a dangerous new front for American authoritarianism.   The multiyear feud between the president and his former adviser is no secret. Bolton left the first Trump administration after 17 months. Trump claims he fired him, while Bolton said he offered to resign. Since then, Bolton has harshly criticized Trump, alleging that he placed personal political interests over national security.   In the coming days, more information about the investigation will inevitably emerge. And just as inevitably, Trump's critics will denounce the search and his supporters will cheer it, conveniently ignoring their criticism of the Justice Department's 2022 execution of a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago that led to Trump being indicted for mishandling classified documents. Many Americans will shrug off this incident as more partisan warfare in an increasingly hostile arena. But that would be a mistake.   This is a preview of Norman Eisen and Andrew Warren's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES ZEESHAN ALEEM Gavin Newsom unlocks an effective new strategy to troll Trump Newsom boxes in his critics while illustrating the absurdity of Trump's communication style. Read more. KITTY RICHARDS Trump attacks a Fed board member to deflect blame from his own mistakes The administration's attacks on Lisa Cook, as well as Fed Chair Jerome Powell, put America's entire economic foundation at risk. Read more. CEDRIC ALEXANDER I've spent four decades in law enforcement. I'm not buying Trump's claim that crime stats are wrong. When leaders make unfounded claims about data manipulation, the entire statistical infrastructure on which democracy depends is destroyed. Read more. AMY SHERALD I canceled my show at the Smithsonian over censorship concerns. I won't be the last. History shows us what happens when governments demand that museums perform loyalty. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS THE WEEKEND: PRIMETIME 'Incredibly disturbing': Rep. Joaquin Castro reacts to National Guard being armed in D.C. WATCH NOW ALI VELSHI 'Keep bearing witness': NYC comptroller urges Americans to fight ICE arrests WATCH NOW THE WEEKEND 'Flagrant violation of our Constitution': Chicago mayor slams Trump's military crackdown WATCH NOW THE WEEKEND: PRIMETIME Michael Cohen predicts 'James Comey is next' to face Trump's retribution after John Bolton WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC This week on "The Best People," Nicolle Wallace speaks with writer and producer Phil Rosenthal to discuss his belief in food as the great connector, the need to replace the manosphere with the "lady-sphere," and how diners might just save the world. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content. On Saturday, October 11, don't miss the chance to attend "MSNBCLIVE '25," our second live community event featuring more than a dozen of our hosts in New York City. "MSNBCLIVE '25" will unite anchors, experts, and fans in an immersive, in-person experience centered on the pressing issues facing Americans today. Go to msnbc.com/live25 to buy your tickets now.    MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE