Justice Department official subpoenas former CIA director before resigning
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A senior Justice Department prosecutor signed a subpoena for former CIA Director John Brennan's testimony before a federal grand jury, then resigned the same day, prompting legal disputes over record preservation.
On Sept. 9, Justice Department prosecutor Joe diGenova signed a subpoena requiring former CIA Director John Brennan to testify before a federal grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida. Brennan’s attorney, Ken Wainstein, said the testimony was initially scheduled for Oct. 15. DiGenova resigned later that day, and the case is now being overseen by U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones.
Wainstein told the court that the subpoena is part of a broader investigation that includes alleged civil-rights violations involving President Donald Trump and other matters at Mar-a-Lago. He also claimed the Justice Department has not preserved all relevant communications, citing concerns that messages sent via the Signal app may have been deleted.
Brennan’s legal team has asked a judge to order the department to retain all records, arguing that the investigation could be politically motivated. The department acknowledged its duty under the Federal Records Act to keep certain communications but said Brennan lacks standing to sue because he has not been charged.
The subpoena and subsequent resignation have drawn criticism from Brennan’s counsel, who described the handling of the grand jury as “unprecedented” and suggested the venue was chosen to favor a Trump-aligned judge. The Justice Department has not commented on the allegations of “judge shopping" or “underhanded" tactics.