In brief
Lawyers representing former CIA Director John Brennan filed a motion in U.S. District Court asking that Wayne Brennan's investigation not be assigned to a judge who has previously dismissed cases against President Trump. Their concerns stem from fears of 'judge-shopping' by the Justice Department in light of the current investigation regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for former CIA Director John Brennan wish to prevent the Justice Department from steering his ongoing investigation towards a 'favored' judge in Florida, who previously dismissed a classified documents case against President Donald Trump.
On Monday, Brennan’s legal team addressed U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga, the chief judge of the Southern District of Florida. This letter comes as federal prosecutors conduct a criminal investigation into the U.S. government's assessment of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, with Brennan and other officials recently receiving subpoenas. Brennan’s legal representatives claim to have been advised by prosecutors that he is a target of this investigation.
Brennan's attorneys argue that the Justice Department is engaged in 'judge-shopping,' intending for the case to be handled by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, known for her favorable rulings towards Trump. They are requesting Altonaga to exercise her 'supervisory authority' to prevent this maneuvering, which they argue undermines justice.
In essence, we seek assurance that any litigation resulting from this grand jury proceeding will be entertained by a judge selected through neutral processes, rather than through prosecution's self-serving actions, which are contrary to the interests of justice, wrote Brennan’s attorneys, Kenneth Wainstein and Natasha Harnwell-Davis.
Despite the Justice Department's investigative efforts, it remains ambiguous what crime prosecutors allege was committed. The subpoenas issued last month sought documents related to the Obama administration's intelligence community assessment from January 2017, summarizing Russian efforts to influence the election.
Former President Trump's administration previously investigated allegations linking his campaign to Russian interference but faced no charges. Trump has consistently sought retribution against those involved in what he deems unfair investigations against him.
Concerns have been raised over the Justice Department's pursuit of the investigation in Florida after failed attempts in Pennsylvania. Brennan's lawyers insist that the rationale for the Florida venue remains unsubstantiated, given that the assessment was prepared by officials in Washington, D.C.
There are fears that the investigation might be shifted to the smaller Fort Pierce division, ruled exclusively by Cannon, raising further alarms over the underlying intentions of the Justice Department.
The U.S. Attorney's attempts to direct this investigation to a judge who has consistently favored President Trump should be scrutinized carefully, Brennan's lawyers articulated.
