Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Struggles to Indict Former CIA Director Brennan

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A legal expert has expressed astonishment at reports that a U.S. Attorney appointed by former President Donald Trump in the Southern District of Florida is struggling to indict former CIA Director John Brennan over his involvement in the 2016 investigation into Russia's interference in the general election. The prosecutor, Jason Reding Quiñones, is reportedly facing pushback from other prosecutors in his office and difficulties in convincing a grand jury due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's efforts to pursue political vendettas against its perceived enemies and the challenges faced by prosecutors in bringing charges that can withstand legal scrutiny. It also raises questions about the independence and integrity of the Justice Department under political pressure.

The details

According to the CNN report, Reding Quiñones and officials in Trump's Department of Justice have been pushing to indict Brennan, but are facing significant obstacles. Other prosecutors in Reding Quiñones' office are reportedly reluctant to sign on to the indictment, and there are concerns that the evidence against Brennan may not be strong enough to convince a grand jury. Legal expert Michael Popok noted that this would appear to violate the federal prosecutors' manual, which states that charges should only be brought if prosecutors believe they can secure and sustain a conviction on appeal.

• The CNN report was published on March 10, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will likely make a decision in the coming weeks on whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward with an indictment of Brennan.