It was revealed today that the NSC at the White House sent Bolton’s attorney a letter on January 23 about his book containing top secret material that must be removed before it can be published:
Letter from @WHNSC to @AmbJohnBolton attorney on problems with information contained in his manuscript. pic.twitter.com/OnMcBjUYie
— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) January 29, 2020
This was read into the record today during the Senate trial in response to a question about White House communications regarding Bolton’s book.
Fox News notes the timing of the letter and the leak in the NY Times article:
The letter was transmitted to Bolton’s attorney on Jan 23. The New York Times article about the manuscript came out on the 26th – three days after the letter was transmitted. That indicates the NSC had already made the determination that there was top secret information in Bolton’s manuscript before anything became public.
That doesn’t sound good for whoever leaked it, assuming they determine the identity of the leaker.
Just a few minutes ago, Bolton’s attorney put out a statement noting that the White House’s NSC isn’t responding to his “urgent request” for guidance over the removal of classified and top secret information from the book:
Bolton’s lawyer says in a statement he sent an “urgent request” for the NSC’s guidance about any concerns it may have about the chapter of Bolton’s book dealing with the then-national security adviser’s involvement in Ukraine matters.
But has gotten no response. pic.twitter.com/sRyXeN8xJ8
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 29, 2020
I’m not surprised that the White House NSC hasn’t responded yet. In fact I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the NSC was instructed, in the aftermath of this leak, to halt all work on Bolton’s book until after the impeachment trial is over, if not longer. If I were president, that’s what I would have done.