Former CIA Director John Brennan has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury investigating whether government officials who pursued investigations into President Donald Trump violated his civil rights, according to court filings by his attorney.
Grand Jury Summons Targets Former Intelligence Chief
Attorney Ken Wainstein disclosed in court documents that federal prosecutors delivered a subpoena last Thursday requiring Brennan to appear October 15 before a grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida. The subpoena forms part of what prosecutors describe as a far-reaching criminal investigation examining whether government officials who investigated Trump over the past decade conspired to deprive him of his constitutional rights.
The probe encompasses officials involved in both the 2016 Russia election interference investigation and the recent classified documents inquiry at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Wainstein stated the investigation targets a loosely defined conspiracy theory, and noted that multiple subpoenas have been issued in recent weeks as the investigation expands.
Separate Perjury Investigation Continues
Brennan faces a second, parallel investigation in Washington examining allegations that he lied to Congress in 2023. Wainstein confirmed that prosecutors informed him Brennan remains a target in that probe, though both Brennan and his legal team have consistently denied any wrongdoing. Subpoenas in the false statements case were initially issued last spring, then suddenly withdrawn in favor of voluntary interviews instead.
Leadership Upheaval Clouds Investigation
The subpoena arrived the same day Joe diGenova, who led the grand conspiracy investigation, abruptly resigned. Sources familiar with the matter indicated the Justice Department and White House expressed dissatisfaction with the probe’s pace and management. No replacement has been publicly announced. Kurt Olsen, who unsuccessfully pressured the Justice Department in 2020 to support claims of election fraud, now appears to be handling communications with Brennan’s legal team.
Constitutional Challenge Looms
Hours before the subpoena disclosure, Brennan appeared at a Washington court hearing for his lawsuit seeking preservation of all investigation records. His legal team argues these documents would be essential to challenge any potential indictment on grounds of vindictive prosecution. The dual investigations place Brennan, who served as CIA Director under President Obama, at the center of escalating tensions over alleged political targeting of Trump and his associates.