The former CIA director says he needs Justice Department records to support a potential vindictive prosecution claim if he is indicted.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Former CIA Director John Brennan sued the Department of Justice on Wednesday, asking a federal court to order the government to preserve records tied to investigations involving him.
Brennan said the records may be needed if he is later indicted and seeks to argue that any prosecution is politically motivated.
The lawsuit claims President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have publicly targeted Brennan for years, creating what Brennan argues is evidence of potential vindictiveness.
“[T]he evidence of vindictiveness in this matter is overwhelming. President Trump has been condemning and calling for Director Brennan’s prosecution for years,” the lawsuit reads. “Administration officials from the Acting Attorney General to the FBI Director and the Counselor overseeing the Brennan investigations have been publicly declaring Director Brennan a criminal, not only before securing a conviction in court but even before a full investigation and an indictment.”
Trump has repeatedly criticized Brennan over multiple issues, especially Brennan’s support for the now-debunked Russia collusion narrative surrounding the 2016 election.
Brennan is seeking a court order requiring the Justice Department to preserve records related to inquiries into him. He argues those materials could be necessary to defend himself against any future charges and to support a claim that a prosecution would be retaliatory.
The lawsuit does not indicate that Brennan has been indicted. It asks the court to ensure relevant records are maintained while the investigations proceed.
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