Justice Department Pulls Back Subpoenas in John Brennan Probe, Seeks Voluntary Interviews

The Justice Department has withdrawn subpoenas that were recently issued in connection with its ongoing investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan, according to individuals familiar with the matter. Instead of requiring testimony before a federal grand jury in Washington, officials have asked witnesses to participate in voluntary interviews.

The reversal in strategy was communicated to lawyers on Monday evening, after subpoenas had been issued over the weekend. The reason for the abrupt change was not disclosed, and the investigation continues to develop.

This inquiry, which has been ongoing for several months, is among several criminal probes launched by the Justice Department into figures perceived as adversaries of former President Donald Trump. The focus is closely tied to longstanding complaints from Trump, centering on the U.S. intelligence community’s assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to benefit his campaign. Brennan served as CIA director under President Barack Obama and oversaw the January 2017 publication of the intelligence assessment detailing Russian involvement.

Recently, the team handling the Brennan investigation underwent significant changes. The lead prosecutor from Florida departed the case after questioning whether criminal prosecution was viable, according to a source familiar with the situation. In his place, Joe diGenova—an attorney who previously served as U.S. attorney in Washington and has been publicly critical of Brennan—was appointed as a counselor to the attorney general to work on the matter.

At a Tuesday news conference, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed concerns about diGenova’s past remarks regarding Brennan, stating that all prosecutors are expected to base their work on the facts obtained through investigation and testimony.

The case stems in part from a criminal referral last year by Rep. Jim Jordan, who alleged Brennan made false statements in 2023 about how the intelligence assessment on Russian interference was prepared. Brennan and his legal team have denied all wrongdoing, asserting that the inquiry is politically motivated.

With the latest development, prosecutors are now seeking to proceed via voluntary interviews rather than forced grand jury appearances. The investigation remains ongoing, with no charges filed to date.