Kurt Olsen exits DOJ 'grand conspiracy' probe, remains on payroll amid staffing turmoil

Key points

• Kurt Olsen resigned from the 'grand conspiracy' case in late September 2026 but remains on the DOJ payroll as senior counsel.
• Attorney General Todd Blanche initially denied Olsen’s departure, calling it 'fake news,' before officials clarified he was only removed from the specific investigation.
• Olsen’s departure follows the resignations of Maria Medetis Long and Joe diGenova, citing concerns over evidence strength and management tensions.
• Olsen lacks a security clearance, limiting his ability to work on classified aspects of the probe, and may transfer to the Middle District of North Carolina.
• The 'grand conspiracy' probe targets officials involved in investigations of President Trump, using a civil rights statute that has drawn skepticism from legal experts.

Background

This development follows a pattern of instability within the DOJ's 'grand conspiracy' initiative, which was highlighted in our August 17 coverage of Attorney General Todd Blanche’s stance on prosecutorial independence. Blanche has previously signaled that Trump’s views could influence DOJ actions, a position that has drawn criticism. In September, Blanche’s Rose Garden briefing further raised concerns about evasive responses to media inquiries. The current situation mirrors the earlier resignation of Joe diGenova in September 2026, who cited tensions with DOJ leadership over the probe’s direction. These events occur against a backdrop of broader skepticism regarding the legal theories underpinning the investigation, as noted in our August coverage of Blanche’s refusal to pledge complete independence from the White House.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News emphasizes the confusion surrounding Olsen’s departure, noting that DOJ officials in Miami and Washington initially misinterpreted his email as a full resignation from the federal government. They highlight that Olsen remains on the payroll but is no longer assigned to the case, and point to his lack of security clearance as a barrier to effective work. NBC News frames the departures as part of a broader 'stumbling' of the probe, citing sources that suggest pressure to produce results without sufficient evidence. ABC News focuses on Olsen’s background as an election denier and his lack of prior prosecutorial experience, linking his departure to the earlier resignation of Joe diGenova. All sources agree on the factual departure from the case but differ in emphasis: CBS focuses on the administrative confusion, NBC on the probe’s viability, and ABC on the personnel’s political alignment. Blanche’s initial denial of the resignation, as reported by CBS, contrasts with the later official clarification, highlighting a disconnect between public statements and internal reality.

Why it matters

The departure of Kurt Olsen, a prominent election denier, from the 'grand conspiracy' probe signals growing internal friction and skepticism within the DOJ regarding the investigation’s legal and evidentiary foundation. With three prosecutors leaving the case in one year, the probe’s credibility and operational continuity are in question. This instability may impact the timing and outcome of the investigation, which targets former officials involved in probes against President Trump. The confusion over Olsen’s status and Blanche’s initial denial of the resignation raise concerns about transparency and communication within the DOJ. As the midterm elections approach, the probe’s trajectory could influence political narratives and public trust in the justice system. The lack of a security clearance for Olsen and potential transfers to other districts suggest ongoing challenges in staffing and managing the case effectively.

What to watch

It is unclear what specific duties Kurt Olsen will perform within the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Florida, as he lacks a security clearance required for classified work. Sources indicate he has expressed interest in transferring to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina to work on election matters under Dan Bishop, but this has not been confirmed. Additional attorneys have been added to the 'grand conspiracy' probe in recent weeks to address staffing gaps. The investigation continues to subpoena witnesses, including former CIA Director John Brennan, to testify before a grand jury in South Florida. The DOJ has not announced a new lead prosecutor for the case following the departures of Long and diGenova. Future developments may include further personnel changes or legal challenges to the probe’s use of the 'deprivation of rights under color of law' statute.