Legacy Nightlies Rehash ‘Opponent’ Narrative for Bolton Indictment

The “Opponent of the President” narrative machine fired up once again, as news broke of the 18-count indictment handed down against former National Security Adviser John Bolton. The legacies lost their collective minds as they rehashed familiar tropes about weaponization and retribution, for purposes of trying to absolve Bolton in the court of public opinion.

Here’s how the story was framed on ABC World News Tonight:

DAVID MUIR: Good evening. We begin tonight here with the breaking news. For the third time in three weeks, another one of President Trump's most outspoken critics now indicted by a federal grand jury. This time, Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton. The Justice Department tonight accusing Bolton of mishandling classified documents. Bolton, who played a major role in the first Trump administration, once writing after witnessing the president up close, that he was, quote, “not fit for office.” Tonight Bolton is indicted. The FBI searching his home in Maryland in August. Bolton denying he illegally removed classified materials. The president attacking Bolton since he left the first administration, revoking his security clearance and Secret Service protection. Tonight’s newest indictment comes after former FBI director James Comey was indicted and just days ago New York attorney general Letitia James indicted, too. ABC's Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas leading us off tonight.

PIERRE THOMAS: Tonight for the third time in three weeks the Justice Department pursuing criminal charges against one of President Trump's political enemies. First it was former FBI Director James Comey. Then New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Now the president's former national security advisor turned outspoken critic John Bolton. Tonight Bolton indicted by a federal grand jury on 18 felony counts for alleged illegal transmission and retention of classified documents.