Justice Department adds former Trump lawyer to investigation of Trump critic John Brennan
Justice Department Adds Former Trump Lawyer to Brennan Probe
Former Trump legal counsel Joseph diGenova is now part of the Justice Department’s probe into John Brennan, a prominent Trump critic. Multiple sources confirm diGenova will be based in Fort Pierce, Florida, as counsel to the attorney general, per a Justice Department official. His involvement marks a shift in the investigation’s direction, focusing on a central issue: the 2017 intelligence report alleging Russian interference in the 2016 election to support Trump’s candidacy.
Accelerated Efforts After Bondi’s Departure
The Justice Department has accelerated efforts to address Trump’s legal priorities following his dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had previously been criticized for the delayed progress on cases targeting his political adversaries. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is intensifying his focus on Trump’s key objectives, such as pursuing legal action against his political opponents, to secure his position after Bondi’s ouster.
Replacement of Lead Prosecutor
This follows CNN’s report Friday that the Justice Department had replaced the lead Miami federal prosecutor in the Brennan investigation due to her reluctance to expedite charges against him, as noted by officials with knowledge of the case. DiGenova’s new role was first disclosed by the Washington-based news outlet Just the News.
DiGenova’s Background and Role
DiGenova, a seasoned Washington-based attorney, was part of Trump’s legal team during the Mueller-led Russia probe. He left the formal defense group due to his wife’s involvement with multiple witnesses in the investigation, though he remains an external legal consultant. DiGenova previously held the position of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1983 to 1988.
Grand Jury and Conspiracy Claims
US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones detailed last fall plans to leverage a grand jury in Fort Pierce, where Judge Aileen Cannon presides, to examine a potential decade-long conspiracy by former law enforcement and intelligence figures aimed at Trump, as reported by those close to the case. Cannon, appointed by Trump during his first administration, recently overturned the classified document charges against him that were filed in her court in 2024.
The story was revised to include further insights into the ongoing probe.
