Former CIA Director John Brennan has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking a court order to compel officials to preserve records from investigations he claims are targeting him for what he describes as 'phantom criminal conduct'. The lawsuit, lodged in federal court in Washington, names President Donald Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and prosecutors in Florida as defendants.
Brennan argues that the records are essential for mounting a defence against potential future indictment, particularly on grounds of vindictive prosecution. His legal team points to over 100 verbal or written statements made by Trump since 2017 criticising Brennan, as well as directives to the Department of Justice to pursue cases 'without regard to factual or legal justification'. The suit contends that a reviewing judge would need to examine the motivations of justice officials to determine if they violated Brennan's rights through retaliatory prosecution.
The lawsuit arises from two separate investigations based in Florida. One probe examines whether Brennan made a false statement to Congress concerning a 2016 intelligence assessment of Russian election interference. The other looks into whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired to undermine Trump, including during the Russia investigation. No charges have been filed, and the Department of Justice has denied allegations of weaponisation.
Brennan's lawyers assert that the preservation of documents is crucial for him to fully present motions related to selective or vindictive prosecution should charges be brought. The filing aims to ensure that all relevant records from the inquiries are retained to support his legal defence.
