Trump 'polluting' Bolton case — but one thing is 'more important' than conviction: analyst

CNN contributor Ronald Brownstein said Thursday former National Security Advisor John Bolton's indictment should be seen as part of a larger picture, given that President Donald Trump's Department of Justice has "systematically indicted" his biggest political opponents.

Bolton, an outspoken Trump critic, was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in Maryland on 18 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified information, including violations of the Espionage Act. The charges focus on his alleged retention and transmission of sensitive documents after leaving his role in Trump's first administration.

Bolton has denied any wrongdoing and is expected to fight the charges in court.

During an appearance on CNN Thursday to discuss the development, Brownstein said: “The case against Bolton will stand or fall on its on its own merits. And if he had a serious violation, he should face serious consequences. But I think for most Americans, the significance here is that we are watching people who the president has deemed as his enemies systematically being indicted by the Justice Department. The merits of each case may vary, may be stronger or weaker, but that pattern is a reality.”

“Why does Trump keep saying this stuff, that he's glad to see this person indicted, or he wants that person indicted when it might weaken the prosecution?" He continued. "That may be less important to him than sending the signal that if you cross him enough, there is a real risk that the Justice Department could come after you.”

“That may be more important to him than not polluting the case with these improper comments, because he is sending that signal to all potential critics,” Brownstein added.

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