Brennan Subpoenaed as Trump-Era 'Grand Conspiracy' Probe Continues Without diGenova

Key points

• Brennan has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, on October 15.
• The probe is led by Kurt Olsen, who previously worked on Trump's 2020 election challenges.
• The investigation examines whether officials conspired to deprive Trump of his civil rights.
• Brennan remains a target in a separate Washington-based probe regarding alleged lies to Congress in 2023.
• The probe continues despite the resignation of Joe diGenova, who led the inquiry until last week.

Background

The 'grand conspiracy' probe traces back to the 2016 Russia interference investigation and has expanded to include figures like James Comey and potentially Barack Obama. In early September 2026, lead prosecutor Joe diGenova resigned from the Justice Department after clashes with senior officials over the pace and scope of the investigation. The probe had produced no prosecutions and faced internal questions about leadership, with diGenova pushing for faster indictments. The resignation prompted a shake-up at the top of the investigation, with Trump urging quicker action and officials expressing concerns about the probe's momentum.

How outlets are covering it

Politico emphasizes the ongoing nature of the probe and the involvement of Kurt Olsen, who strategized on Trump's 2020 election challenges. Fox News highlights the subpoena details and the leadership upheaval following diGenova's resignation, noting that the Justice Department has not named a replacement. AP News focuses on the broader context of new grand jury subpoenas in the Trump-Russia probe investigation, while the Rutland Herald provides minimal coverage, primarily referencing the AP report. The outlets differ in their emphasis: Politico and Fox News focus on the specific Brennan subpoena and the probe's leadership changes, while AP and Rutland Herald provide broader context on the investigation's scope and recent developments.

Why it matters

The continued pursuit of the 'grand conspiracy' probe signals the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to hold former officials accountable for perceived actions against the president. The subpoena of Brennan, a prominent Obama-era official, underscores the probe's reach and the potential for further legal actions against figures associated with past investigations. The resignation of diGenova and the appointment of new leadership could impact the pace and direction of the probe, with implications for the broader political landscape and the administration's approach to accountability.

What to watch

Brennan is expected to testify before the Florida grand jury on October 15. The Justice Department is expected to name a replacement for diGenova, potentially shifting the probe's leadership and strategy. The separate Washington-based investigation into Brennan's 2023 congressional statements may continue, with potential implications for his legal status. The broader 'grand conspiracy' probe is expected to continue under new oversight, with potential for further subpoenas and indictments.