Where this was said
John Bolton's Guilty Plea and the CIA Gold Bar Scandal
At 53:38 · chapter starts 49:10
Two corruption stories back to back. First, John Bolton: CNN reported he will plead guilty on one count of mishandling classified information — specifically writing classified material in his diary and sharing it via personal email and a messaging app with his wife and daughter. A fine of $2.25 million is on the table, with potential prison time of up to 5 years. Iran apparently hacked Bolton's email in 2021, which may be how the case came to light. Ben notes the case involves a real underlying crime and shouldn't be lumped in with what he calls vindictive political prosecutions like those against James Comey, but acknowledges the selective enforcement given Trump's own classified document situation. Then David Rush: a CIA officer in the Directorate of Science and Technology allegedly created a fake, highly classified special access program about continuity of government operations, funneled money into it, and converted those funds into 303 gold bars worth over $40 million, plus $2 million in cash and 36 luxury watches. The FBI also found he had fabricated his academic credentials (claiming degrees from Clemson and RPI) and his Navy pilot history [1] — Will Grant "A military operation against Raul Castro at 95 would inflame Cuban nationalism. Targeted action against younger leadership is possible. Boo…" 1:11:35 .
Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton agreed to plead guilty to mishandling classified information and pay a $2.25 million fine, potentially facing up to 5 years in prison.
CIA official David Rush was found with 303 gold bars worth over $40 million, $2 million in cash, and 3 dozen luxury watches, allegedly obtained through a fake classified program.
CIA official David Rush allegedly invented a fake highly-classified special access program about continuity of government operations and used it to funnel millions to himself. When investigators showed up, they found 303 gold bars worth $40 million, $2 million cash, and 36 luxury watches. He also lied about his college degree and his Navy pilot career.
