Gretchen Smith Bolton is a certified financial planner with Axa Advisors and the longtime wife of John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump from April 2018 to September 2019.
On August 22, 2025, their quiet life in Bethesda, Maryland — where they have lived since 1986 — drew national attention. That morning, FBI agents searched both Bolton’s Washington office and his home as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents.
Officials confirmed that the probe had been ongoing for years but claimed the Biden administration previously shut it down “for political reasons.” Despite the high-profile raid, Bolton was not arrested and faced no criminal charges as of that day.
The case traces back to 2020, when the Justice Department first launched an inquiry into his memoir The Room Where It Happened, which Trump tried to block from publication over its inclusion of classified material. That investigation focused on whether Bolton violated an NDA the political commentator had signed as part of his role in the White House.
As cameras captured the FBI search, his wife, Gretchen Smith Bolton, was photographed leaving the family home in Bethesda.
Beyond headlines tied to her husband’s career, Gretchen has her own professional background and family life. She and John Bolton were both previously married before they wed, and together they share a daughter, Jennifer.
Who Is Gretchen Smith Bolton?
Gretchen, born in Kansas City in 1945, has built a long career in finance. She is an investment advisor representative associated with Equitable Advisors, LLC, and has been active in the securities industry since 1993. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Smith works with individuals, families, estates, and charitable organizations.
Her expertise includes financial planning, pension consulting, portfolio management for both individuals and businesses, and conducting educational seminars. She also holds leadership positions outside of her advisory work, serving as secretary of the Old Georgetown Office Park Condominium Owners’ Association, treasurer of the Waterside Reserve Property Owners Association, and a board member of Friends of Seneca Creek State Park.
Her academic background is just as extensive. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and a master’s degree from New York University. She also has a certificate in retirement planning from the Wharton School of Business.
How Long Have They Been Married?
Bolton and his spouse, Gretchen Smith, have been married since January 1986. While they have kept the details of their early relationship private, reports suggest they were together for a few years before marrying.
Both had previous marriages before finding each other. Gretchen divorced her first husband in 1973, while Bolton also came into the relationship with a prior marriage behind him.
Daughter, Jennifer Sarah Bolton
John Bolton and Gretchen Smith share one daughter, Jennifer Sarah Bolton. Like her father, Jennifer studied at Yale University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and mechanical engineering. She also earned her MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Today, Jennifer has developed a career in the automotive industry. She serves as a senior director at Nissan Motor Corporation, per her LinkedIn bio.
John Bolton’s First Wife
Before marrying Gretchen Smith, Bolton was married to Christina Bolton. The two wed in 1972 but divorced in 1983 after more than a decade together.
However, there are no public details available about Christina’s life after the separation.
