A prosecutor steps back from the case against John Brennan
One of the main lawyers on the investigation into the former CIA director has been reassigned, raising questions about the case's direction
At a glance
What matters most
- Maria Medetis Long, a career Justice Department prosecutor in Miami, is no longer leading the investigation into John O. Brennan.
- Long reportedly questioned whether there was enough evidence to support criminal charges against Brennan over his testimony to Congress.
- The investigation, revived under the Trump administration, focuses on Brennan's role in the 2016 'Russiagate' intelligence report.
- The reassignment has sparked debate about the case's legitimacy and whether it's being driven by political motives.
Across the spectrum
What people are saying
A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.
On the Left
This investigation feels less like a pursuit of justice and more like political retaliation. Brennan served his country with integrity, and targeting him over actions taken during a lawful intelligence process undermines trust in public institutions. The fact that a career prosecutor stepped back over weak evidence only reinforces that concern.
In the Center
It's not unusual for prosecutors to be reassigned during complex investigations, especially when legal or evidentiary questions arise. The key issue now is whether the Justice Department follows standard protocols and lets the facts-not political pressure-determine the outcome.
On the Right
Brennan played a central role in one of the most controversial episodes in recent political history. If there's evidence he misled Congress, he should be held accountable like anyone else. The investigation needs to move forward without interference from bureaucrats who may be protecting the old guard.
Full coverage
What you should know
A key figure in the federal investigation into former CIA Director John O. Brennan has stepped away from the case. Maria Medetis Long, a career prosecutor with the Justice Department based in Miami, is no longer overseeing the probe, according to sources cited by several news outlets.
Long had been leading a criminal inquiry into whether Brennan lied to Congress during his testimony about the 2016 intelligence assessment linking Russia to interference in that year's presidential election. The investigation, which was reopened after Donald Trump resumed the presidency in January 2025, has drawn attention for its focus on a high-profile figure from the Obama-era intelligence community.
According to the New York Times and CBS News, Long raised internal concerns about whether the available evidence justified pursuing charges. Her reported hesitation suggests growing skepticism within the Justice Department about the strength of the case. While officials have not publicly stated the reason for her reassignment, such moves are uncommon when a prosecutor believes a case is both legally sound and in the public interest.
The probe itself centers on Brennan's role in the production and dissemination of a controversial intelligence dossier used during the 2016 campaign. Critics, including Trump allies, have long argued that Brennan and other intelligence officials acted improperly in how they handled the information. Supporters of Brennan say the investigation is a politically motivated effort to settle old scores.
Reuters reported earlier this week that the FBI plans to interview several witnesses as part of the ongoing review, suggesting the investigation continues despite Long's departure. However, losing the lead prosecutor at this stage could slow momentum or signal a shift in how seriously the Justice Department views the case.
Long is known as a seasoned, nonpartisan attorney with a track record of handling complex white-collar and national security cases. Her removal may raise questions about whether political appointees are now steering the investigation in a new direction. Career prosecutors typically have wide latitude in such matters, but high-profile cases involving former officials can become entangled in broader political currents.
As of now, the Justice Department has not named a replacement or issued a public statement. Brennan, who has denied any wrongdoing, has not commented on the latest developments. With the probe entering a new phase, attention will likely turn to who takes over and whether the case moves toward formal charges-or quietly fades.
About this author
Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.
Source Notes
Prosecutor Withdraws From Trump Team’s Investigation of Ex-CIA Director John O. Brennan
A career Justice Department lawyer, Maria Medetis Long, in Miami is said to have raised concerns about whether the evidence justified moving forward with a bid to prosecute John O. Brennan.
DOJ shakes up lead prosecutor handling Brennan investigation in South Florida, sources say
The Justice Department reassigned the lead federal prosecutor overseeing its investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan in South Florida, two sources familiar with the matter said Friday. Maria Medetis Long, a career prosecutor bas...
Lead prosecutor on probe into John Brennan is removed from case, sources say
Maria Medetis Long, who was overseeing a criminal investigation into whether former CIA Director John Brennan lied to Congress is no longer assigned to the case.
Editor Daily Rundown: FBI Reportedly Steps Up Investigation Of John Brennan Over ‘Russiagate’
REPORT: FBI CLOSES IN ON BRENNAN ... REUTERS: Exclusive: FBI under Trump ramps up probe of ex-CIA chief Brennan over Russia report, sources say WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - The FBI plans to question roughly a half-dozen witnesses in its...
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