The Justice Department has issued federal grand jury subpoenas to multiple witnesses in its criminal investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan, escalating a probe targeting one of President Trump’s most vocal critics over alleged false statements about Russian election interference findings.

Grand Jury Moves Forward Despite Internal Doubts

Federal prosecutors subpoenaed at least three witnesses in recent days to testify before a Washington grand jury, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The action comes after a Florida-based career prosecutor left the case following concerns about whether criminal charges could survive legal scrutiny. A former Justice Department lawyer who later supported Trump’s 2020 election challenges has been sworn in as special counsel to the attorney general and will work on the investigation.

The probe centers on Brennan’s 2023 congressional testimony regarding the preparation of a January 2017 intelligence assessment. That report concluded Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump defeat Hillary Clinton. Representative Jim Jordan, Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department alleging Brennan made false statements to his panel about the intelligence community assessment.

One Of Several Probes Targeting Trump Adversaries

The months-old Brennan investigation represents one of multiple criminal probes the Justice Department has opened against individuals viewed as Trump opponents. Brennan served as CIA director under President Barack Obama and remained in that role when intelligence agencies published their assessment detailing Russian election meddling. Special counsel Robert Mueller’s subsequent investigation confirmed Russia interfered to benefit Trump and that his campaign welcomed the assistance, but found insufficient evidence to prove criminal conspiracy.

What This Means

The grand jury subpoenas signal the Justice Department’s determination to pursue the case despite internal resistance from career prosecutors. The investigation has raised concerns among legal experts about whether the department is being weaponized against political opponents. Brennan has not been charged with any crime, and the grand jury proceedings remain ongoing. The probe’s outcome could have significant implications for how intelligence assessments are conducted and whether former officials face legal jeopardy for their roles in politically sensitive investigations.