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Justice Department Removes Prosecutor Amid Trump Pressure on Brennan Case

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department removed Maria Medetis Long, the lead prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to expedite charges.
Long's departure raises concerns about the investigation's viability, which centers on whether Brennan misled Congress about Russian interference in 2016.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says he aims to satisfy Trump's demands for faster action, while prosecutors resist rushing the case.

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Story summary

The Justice Department removed Maria Medetis Long, the lead prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to expedite charges.
Long's departure raises concerns about the investigation's viability, which centers on whether Brennan misled Congress about Russian interference in 2016.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says he aims to satisfy Trump's demands for faster action, while prosecutors resist rushing the case.