Exclusive: Justice Department removes lead prosecutor from probe of Trump critic John Brennan - CNN
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
The Justice Department removed the lead prosecutor from its probe into Trump critic John Brennan.
AI Summary
The Justice Department has removed the lead prosecutor from its probe into Trump critic John Brennan. This action follows the initiation of an investigation into Brennan, a former CIA Director, for unspecified activities. The removal of a lead prosecutor can signal a shift in the direction or intensity of an ongoing investigation. This development is significant as it involves a high-profile critic of President Trump and the Justice Department's handling of the case.
What's Being Done
The Justice Department removed the lead prosecutor from its probe into John Brennan.
Source Coverage Map
6 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Key prosecutor in John Brennan investigation has been removed from case, AP source says - AP News

Lead prosecutor on investigation into former CIA director no longer on case

Prosecutor Withdraws From Trump Team’s Investigation of Ex-C.I.A. Chief - The New York Times

Prosecutor Withdraws From Trump Team’s Investigation of Ex-CIA Director John O. Brennan
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Government Spending & Oversight
Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.
Civil Rights & Justice
Following developments in civil rights, criminal justice reform, voting rights, Supreme Court decisions, policing accountability, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice across American institutions.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsTrump's DOJ targets Jan. 6 convictions, broadens Fed construction site probe
President Trump's Department of Justice is making headlines. This week, it is releasing a report accusing the Biden administration of weaponizing the agency, moving to wipe out the convictions of Jan. 6 ringleaders and making a surprise visit to a Federal Reserve construction site as part of its ongoing probe into Jerome Powell. Ali Rogin reports on the DOJ's legal and political maneuvering.
Government TransparencyParis prosecutors reject accusation in rift with Musk over X probe - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwAFBVV95cUxOLXFHMUxIQldUQzFxcnlhZE9QQ3VOQ2IyZXdYRFpVbjhCakRXbjN3cUxEY3NUbmdNNWh6V3p0c1hsa0t2Y1g0emczTVU1MFlsS2NLSTVfc09JLW9mazFYaC1MZEhRb09mUTVvV1JfalViZ1Vnc21COFV0aUx6cDMtNEx0RnNCNUJRZ2FNZ25Bd3dkYnVpLThUeE9qLXpnb0JnU1poQnNrLUVkR3k1Qjk2WU1XTUowTE5nZkdWbzhybjM?oc=5" target="_blank">US Justice Department refuses to assist French probe into Musk’s X, WSJ reports</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
Government TransparencyJustice Department moves to toss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxOenJzVGFSQll2dXNabk92RHBpV01fUDc2eDg4djF0cHlyMGpQN0xXODh6Tng2RU5OZ05GWXVYWklZLWRTRFg0Unczb085U2VONTJHM01qVGxWczJ0eTkxRTZmTGZMc1F4Xzh2T0czNGJwRDBRN1N2T3dJNUgwMmRsMThJWkk2RW8yRVU2VFJrd0tuRndJTU1TZ2gteExjSVREMURiZEFUekgyUGM?oc=5" target="_blank">Justice Department moves to toss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Civil RightsState Department Tells Human Rights Watchdog to Ignore Trump’s Extrajudicial Killings
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights “lacks the competence” to review Trump’s campaign of deadly boat strikes, a State Department spokesperson said. The post State Department Tells Human Rights Watchdog to Ignore Trump’s Extrajudicial Killings appeared first on The Intercept .
Civil RightsJustice Department fires 4 prosecutors accused of bias against anti-abortion activists - AP News
PoliticsDepartment of Justice investigating Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations
<p>Democratic representative from California has suspended gubernatorial campaign and resigned from Congress</p><p>The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has opened an investigation into Eric Swalwell following his resignation from Congress, according to a source familiar with the matter.</p><p>The news of a federal investigation comes days after the Democratic representative from California <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/14/eric-swalwell-tony-gonzales-resignations">stepped down</a> due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/16/eric-swalwell-department-of-justice-investigation">Continue reading...</a>

ICE’s hiring spree led to influx of recruits with questionable qualifications, investigation shows
<p>Patchy employment records, bankruptcies and allegations of wrongdoing blemish the records of several new recruits</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>Rapid recruitment and expansion by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ice-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement">ICE</a>) has led to an influx of employees with questionable qualifications, an investigation has found.</p><p>The track records of some of the new recruits amid the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/trump-administration">Trump administration</a>’s mass deportation agenda stand out – and not in a good way.</p> <a hre...
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump

What to know about Eric Swalwell’s exit from Congress and the California governor’s race - AP News

IMF, World Bank, IEA urge countries to stop hoarding energy supplies, imposing export controls - Reuters

Anthony Albanese urges Israel to stop Lebanon attacks that intensified during Middle East ceasefire

Bipartisan duo that pushed Swalwell, Gonzales to resign says other lawmakers may be next



