The Justice Department's wide-ranging investigation into alleged conspiracies targeting former President Donald J. Trump has experienced several key departures in recent weeks, raising questions about the inquiry's direction and leadership. The probe, often referred to as the “grand conspiracy” case, seeks to connect multiple criminal investigations—including the Russia probe and the classified documents case—into an overarching effort by alleged political opponents to undermine Trump.
Most recently, Kurt Olsen, a senior prosecutor involved in the Florida-based investigation, resigned on Monday. Olsen had joined the probe in June after several months serving as Trump’s election security czar. Prior to that, he was part of a group of lawyers pushing unsupported claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Olsen’s resignation marks the second high-profile exit following Joseph diGenova, a Trump ally who had been appointed to lead the inquiry but stepped down abruptly earlier this month after five months on the job. Another veteran prosecutor, Maria Medetis Long, left the investigation in April, reportedly due to discomfort with its direction.
Reports differ on the reasons behind Olsen’s departure. Some sources familiar with the matter indicated he became frustrated with pressure from Justice Department officials in Washington to accelerate the investigation and secure grand jury indictments. Others disputed this, attributing his resignation to unresolved issues with his security clearance that prevented him from continuing his duties. Olsen did not respond to requests for comment.
The investigation centers on allegations that senior officials from the Obama and Biden administrations orchestrated a long-term “deep state” conspiracy to violate Trump’s civil rights. The inquiry includes examining the FBI and intelligence community’s work on potential Russia-Trump campaign connections in 2016, as well as the special counsel-led prosecution efforts against Trump following his presidency.
Despite the recent personnel changes, the inquiry appears to be moving forward under the leadership of Jason Reding Quiñones, the U.S. attorney in Miami assigned to oversee the probe. Attorneys for former CIA director John Brennan, a purported target of the investigation, recently confirmed he was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida. Several former FBI agents connected to the 2022 search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate have also been summoned for testimony.
Additionally, two top deputies of Attorney General Todd Blanche traveled to Florida recently to meet with the investigative team, signaling ongoing support from department leadership. A Justice Department spokesperson denied allegations that officials pressured prosecutors to advance charges prematurely, praising the experience of the team and affirming continued work on the case.
The departures of prominent prosecutors like diGenova and Olsen have fueled speculation about internal tensions and the probe’s long-term viability. Nevertheless, the department maintains the investigation remains active and backed by an expanding team of attorneys.