The FBI is searching the Maryland home of John Bolton, who served in President Donald Trump's first administration as national security adviser but later became critical of the president.

The search is as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents, a person familiar with the matter says.

The person was not authorised to discuss the investigation by name and spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.

Bolton was not detained and has not been charged with any crimes, the person said.

Messages left with a spokesperson for Bolton and the White House were not immediately returned on Friday.

A lawyer who has represented Bolton had no immediate comment.

Bolton served as Trump's third national security adviser for 17 months and clashed with him over I

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