Jeanine Pirro, the Trump ally and U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., reportedly directed prosecutors to seek an indictment against six Democratic lawmakers over a video reminding troops of their right to refuse illegal orders, according to The New York Times.
The directive, described as abrupt, was part of an unusual process that ultimately failed. A grand jury declined to bring an indictment last week, an uncommon outcome for a high-profile probe.
Prosecutors had told lawmakers' lawyers the investigation was in early stages and did not specify the alleged crime. Observers noted the approach was irregular, as federal probes of sitting members of Congress typically involve months of careful analysis before charges are sought.
The case also involved two attorneys with minimal prosecutorial experience: Steven Vandervelden and Carlton Davis. Vandervelden, who had no prior Department of Justice background, worked with Pirro in Westchester County and reportedly maintained an active photography studio during the case.
Senator Mark Kelly, one of the lawmakers targeted, criticised the effort as a wrongful partisan exercise. The Trump administration has faced numerous court failures and significant turnover among federal prosecutors, with over 5,000 DOJ officials leaving since Trump took office.
