Trump’s Justice Department Targets Former Obama Officials Over Russia Probe
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly launched a sweeping grand jury investigation into former Obama administration officials over their handling of the 2016 Trump-Russia probe, sources told USA Today.
According to insiders, President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is preparing grand jury subpoenas to obtain key documents from several top Obama-era intelligence and law enforcement officials — individuals Trump has long accused of politicizing intelligence reports to damage his 2016 presidential campaign.
Who Is Leading the DOJ’s New Investigation?
The criminal investigation is reportedly being led by Jason Reding Quiñones, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and a close ally of Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Quiñones has been tasked with overseeing the grand jury proceedings, marking what appears to be one of Trump’s most aggressive moves against former officials from the Obama era.
Subpoenas for Top Obama Officials
The first subpoenas are expected to be issued to James Clapper, former Director of National Intelligence, and John Brennan, the former CIA Director.
Both men were central figures in the 2016 Russia interference investigation, which examined alleged ties between Trump’s campaign team and Russian operatives.
Sources say the subpoenas demand classified records and internal memos related to the origins of that investigation — documents that could shed light on how intelligence conclusions were drawn during Obama’s presidency.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Criminal Referral Sparked DOJ Action
The White House confirmed the existence of this new investigation in August, shortly after Fox News reported that it was initiated following a criminal referral from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Gabbard had accused Brennan, Clapper, and others — possibly even President Obama — of “manufacturing and politicizing intelligence” to target Trump.
Could the Probe Extend to Biden-Era Officials?
Sources familiar with the case suggest that the DOJ’s scope may not stop at Obama-era officials.
Investigators are also looking into Biden administration national security officials who led inquiries into Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office in 2021, and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
While both cases led to criminal charges against Trump, they were later dismissed after his re-election in November 2024.
James Comey and Other Potential Targets
Former FBI Director James Comey, who was previously indicted on unrelated charges in September, is reportedly preparing a legal defense in anticipation of possible inclusion in this expanding investigation.
Although Clapper, Brennan, and Comey have all denied any wrongdoing, legal experts say this probe represents the most aggressive attempt yet by Trump’s administration to “settle scores” with those he blames for the so-called “Russia Hoax.”
Trump’s Longstanding Claim of a ‘Witch Hunt’
Trump has consistently described the 2016 Russia investigation as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by political enemies within the Obama administration.
The original Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), ordered by Obama in 2016, concluded that Russia had engaged in “active measures” — including social media manipulation and disinformation — to influence the election outcome in Trump’s favor.
Trump, however, maintains that these findings were politically motivated, claiming they were designed to delegitimize his presidency from the start.
What Happens Next?
Legal analysts suggest that this DOJ probe could reshape public understanding of the original Russia investigation, especially if internal Obama-era intelligence documents are made public.
If the grand jury issues indictments, it could trigger a historic legal showdown between two presidential administrations — and reignite the debate over whether Trump’s DOJ is seeking justice or revenge.
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