Former CIA Director John Brennan was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, as part of a "grand conspiracy" investigation. The subpoena, signed by prosecutor Joe diGenova, directed Brennan to appear on Oct. 15. The disclosure of the subpoena followed the resignation of diGenova, who had been overseeing the probe.
The investigation is examining whether officials from the Obama and Biden administrations conspired to deprive former President Donald Trump of his civil rights to prevent him from holding public office. According to Brennan's attorney, Kenneth L. Wainstein, prosecutor Kurt Olsen stated that the investigation is "far-reaching" and includes issues related to Mar-a-Lago.
Brennan is currently classified by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a "subject" in the grand conspiracy probe and a "target" in a separate investigation. The latter case is focused on whether Brennan lied to Congress during testimony regarding the 2016 intelligence community assessment of Russian election interference. In DOJ terms, a target is an individual prosecutors believe is linked to a crime, while a subject is someone whose conduct falls within the scope of a grand jury investigation.
Wainstein disclosed the subpoena in a sworn statement as part of Brennan’s lawsuit against the DOJ. Brennan is seeking a preliminary injunction to force the preservation of records, alleging the investigations are politically motivated. Jeremy Newman, a lawyer for the DOJ, argued that U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb should deny the request because no indictments or charges have been filed. Judge Cobb did not issue an immediate ruling.
Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the investigation will proceed despite diGenova's departure. Blanche declined to provide specific reasons for the resignation but noted that disagreements between senior department officials in Washington had occurred regarding the management of the probe. Blanche stated that "one person doesn't define an investigation."
For those involved, the impact includes the requirement to appear before a grand jury. Brennan’s legal team argued that the "threat of prosecution remains quite real." The investigation also examines Brennan's past congressional testimony.
Attorney General Todd Blanche has stated the probe will continue despite the resignation of diGenova, with Brennan's grand jury appearance scheduled for Oct. 15. A ruling from U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb on Brennan’s motion to preserve department records is pending.