Fact Check: Is Mike Pence implicated in DOJ’s investigation of John Bolton?

A post claimed that Mike Pence was being investigated for allegedly leaking sensitive national security information from Trump’s first administration
A post alleged that Mike Pence was linked to investigations involving former national security adviser Michael Flynn, classified documents and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack (Getty Images)
A post alleged that Mike Pence was linked to investigations involving former national security adviser Michael Flynn, classified documents and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid growing discussions about alleged political investigations, an X post has sparked questions about former Vice President Mike Pence and former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

The post claims that both men are linked to a Department of Justice (DOJ) probe involving several serious allegations. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Mike Pence has been implicated in the DOJ’s probe of John Bolton



The rumor originated from an X post by an account named DeepLeaksHQ, which claimed that former Vice President Mike Pence had been implicated in the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

The post stated, "Former Vice President Mike Pence has been IMPLICATED in The DOJ’s investigation of former National Security Advisor John Bolton related to Pence’s framing of General Flynn to get him fired, his illegal possession of classified documents and his role in January 6th."

To support its claim, the post also referred to Bolton's description of Pence as a "consistent ally" during President Donald Trump's first term. 

It further alleged that Pence was being investigated for leaking sensitive national security information from the Trump White House to left-leaning media outlets. The post stated, "Pence is reportedly also being probed for unlawful leaks including sensitive national security matters from the Trump White House to the leftist media."

President Donald Trump gestures a thumbs up as he looks across the 18th green on day three of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg on September 12, 2026 in Clarecastle, Ireland (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump gestures a thumbs up as he looks across the 18th green on day three of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg on September 12, 2026 in Clarecastle, Ireland (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

The post then claimed that Pence and Bolton could face federal indictments. It concluded, "Pence and Bolton are said to be facing indictment by a federal grand jury for a litany of federal crimes. They are the very definition of 'the enemy from within'. May Justice be swift and fierce for these traitors."

The claim gained significant attention online, garnering more than 492,000 views and 1,400 comments within hours of being shared. Several users questioned whether the allegations were true. One user asked, "Is there any truth to this claim about Pence?" Another urged others to verify the content, pictures and videos, while a third questioned the accuracy of the post's assertions.

Fact Check: False

The claim is false. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton was indicted on October 16, 2025, in Maryland on 18 counts under the Espionage Act for allegedly transmitting and retaining national defense information.

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 17: Former National Security Adviser John Bolton speaks to reporters after speaking in a panel hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran – U.S. Representative Office (NCRI-US) at the Willard InterContinental Hotel on August 17, 2022 in Washington, DC. The NCRI-US held the panel to mark the 20th anniversary of their first press conference on the perceived threat of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Recently the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against an Iranian operative for a plot to murder John Bolton. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton speaks to reporters after speaking in a panel hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran – US Representative Office (NCRI-US) at the Willard InterContinental Hotel on August 17, 2022 in Washington, DC (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In June 2026, Bolton pleaded guilty to one count of willfully retaining national defense information, resolving all charges against him. He also agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28, 2026. 

However, the Justice Department's public statements, the indictment and major news reports do not mention Mike Pence in connection with Bolton's case. 

They also do not establish any joint investigation involving Pence, allegations related to Michael Flynn, the January 6 events or alleged leaks of sensitive information from the Trump White House.

The Justice Department also investigated Pence after classified documents were discovered at his Indiana home in early 2023. Pence cooperated with the investigation, which the department closed in June 2023. 

Prosecutors informed his lawyers that they would not pursue criminal charges. This matter is separate from Bolton's case and is no longer active.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as he arrives with Melania Trump as former U.S. Vice President Al Gore looks on during the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral on January 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden declared today a national day of mourning for Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump greets former US Vice President Mike Pence as he arrives with Melania Trump as former US Vice President Al Gore looks on during the state funeral for former US President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral on January 09, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

There is also no credible evidence that Pence framed Flynn. Historical records show that Flynn misled Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador. 

Pence later reviewed the evidence surrounding those contacts. In investigations related to the January 6 events, Pence appeared as a witness and was not charged with any crime. Furthermore, no credible reporting or official statements support the claim that Pence is currently under investigation for unlawfully leaking sensitive national security information.

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