Former CIA Director John Brennan has been called to testify before a grand jury in Florida. This is part of an investigation into alleged conspiracies involving officials from the Obama and Biden eras. The subpoena was issued on the same day the lead prosecutor resigned, according to court records.
The subpoena was signed by Joe diGenova, the former prosecutor, and it requires Brennan to appear in Fort Pierce, Florida, on October 15. Brennan’s attorney, Kenneth L. Wainstein, confirmed this in a statement.
DiGenova resigned last Thursday due to disagreements with senior department officials in Washington. He has not publicly explained why he left. Sources familiar with the situation shared this information with CBS News.
Kurt Olsen, another prosecutor on the case, informed Brennan’s lawyers that Brennan is considered a “subject” in the investigation. This investigation examines possible conspiracies by officials from both the Obama and Trump eras. It concerns the deprivation of President Trump’s rights to run for office.
Olsen mentioned that they are reviewing multiple “viable” grand jury investigations. This includes a broad probe in Fort Pierce that extends to “issues at Mar-a-Lago and beyond.” The probe examines if President Trump had his civil rights violated.
Olsen also stated that Brennan is a “target” in a separate investigation. This case focuses on whether he lied to Congress during testimony about Russian interference in the 2016 election. In legal terms, a “target” is someone whom prosecutors believe has a link to a crime. A “subject” is someone whose actions are under review but who isn’t yet a target.
The subpoena information arises from a lawsuit Brennan filed against the Justice Department. Brennan claims the investigations are politically driven. He seeks to secure records and communications between key department and White House officials.
Brennan’s legal team urged a federal judge to support his motion for a preliminary injunction. Wainstein argued that the possibility of prosecution is significant. He accused the Justice Department of intentionally concealing potential misconduct. He highlighted diGenova’s resignation and the removal of a lead career federal prosecutor in April as concerning signs.
Wainstein questioned the basis for any potential charges, labeling the investigations “unconstitutional” efforts against an innocent individual.
Justice Department lawyer Jeremy Newman countered by stating there are neither indictments nor charges. Judge Jia Cobb did not immediately rule on the matter and will consider the arguments presented.