Full Breakdown
Investigation into John Brennan: Allegations of Perjury and Political Implications
2/12/2026, 9:16:28 AM
Criminal Referral and Investigation Overview
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has received a criminal referral from the House Judiciary Committee regarding former CIA Director John Brennan. This referral alleges that Brennan lied to Congress during his testimony about the Steele dossier, a controversial document containing unverified claims about former President Donald Trump. Bondi made this announcement during a hearing led by Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, who inquired about the possibility of Brennan's indictment.
Bondi stated, "What I can confirm is that we have received a referral from you, Chairman Jordan, to investigate John Brennan." However, she emphasized that the DOJ is bound by policy not to discuss ongoing investigations, adding, "What I will say today I can't confirm nor deny whether there's a pending investigation, but what I will say [is] that no one is above the law. Weaponization has ended." The referral, sent in October, is part of a broader investigation into the origins of the 2016 Trump-Russia probe, which has been a focal point of political contention.
Context of the Allegations
The referral from the House Judiciary Committee follows previous requests from CIA Director John Ratcliffe to prosecute Brennan over broader conspiracy allegations related to the Steele dossier and its influence on an Obama-era Intelligence Community Assessment regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election. The DOJ's investigation has also led to grand jury subpoenas for Brennan and former FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, among others. These subpoenas were issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, prompting accusations from Brennan's legal team that the DOJ is seeking favorable judicial venues.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The investigation has drawn mixed reactions from political figures. Representative Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, suggested that the inquiry may be politically motivated, implying that the investigation aligns with President Trump's past comments about targeting political adversaries. Goldman remarked, "If we want to know whether Mr. Brennan will be indicted, you should just ask the president." Trump himself has previously characterized Brennan and others involved in the investigation as "very dishonest people" and "crooked as hell," indicating his belief that they should face consequences for their actions.
Conflicting Reports and Future Implications
As the investigation progresses, there remains uncertainty regarding the potential outcomes for Brennan and the other individuals involved. While the DOJ has confirmed the receipt of the referral, it has not disclosed any details about the status of the investigation or the likelihood of charges being filed. The political ramifications of this inquiry could further polarize opinions surrounding the Trump-Russia probe and its implications for future political accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What I can confirm is that we have received a referral from you, Chairman Jordan, to investigate John Brennan,” — Pam Bondi, Attorney General
- “What I will say today I can't confirm nor deny whether there's a pending investigation, but what I will say [is] that no one is above the law.” — Pam Bondi, Attorney General
- “Brennan will be indicted, you should just ask the president," Goldman said.” — Dan Goldman, Representative (D-NY)
- “ "I think they're very dishonest people.” — Donald Trump, Former President
