But a day later, the department significantly escalated its efforts by asking for a restraining order and injunction against Mr. Bolton to try to halt further distribution of his book. It also submitted a declaration by a National Security Council official, Michael T. Ellis, saying the manuscript contained classified information, including an exceptionally restricted category that could reveal intelligence sources and methods. The judge opened the hearing with a suggestion that he may be inclined to agree with Mr. Cooper about the request for an order. Mr. Cooper, however, argued that Mr. Bolton had lived up to his obligations under the spirit and text of the agreements his client signed. Mr. Ellis submitted an affidavit this week claiming that he had found at least instances of six classified information in the book, including some from the exceptionally restricted category.

Source: New York Times June 19, 2020 22:29 UTC