Story perspectives

Pirro’s Ally Leads Grand Jury as Vandervelden Investigates Powell

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro convened a grand jury in Washington on August 12, 2026.
Steven Vandervelden, Pirro’s ally who investigated Chair Jerome Powell, will lead the panel.
President Donald Trump said Pirro “choked” after she dropped charges against David Hearn.
The grand jury can issue a report on a preponderance-of-evidence standard without an indictment.
The Washington Post said the convening aims at sensitive prosecutions while Pirro faces White House pressure.

History

Historical Context

In August 2026 a Washington grand jury was convened, reviving concerns about political influence on prosecutors. The pattern dates to the 1972 Watergate break-in, when the Nixon re-election committee’s illegal burglary led to the May 19 1973 appointment of special prosecutor Archibald Cox. Cox’s dismissal in the “Saturday Night Massacre” underscored how executive pressure can shape high-profile investigations.

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Story summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro convened a grand jury in Washington on August 12, 2026.
Steven Vandervelden, Pirro’s ally who investigated Chair Jerome Powell, will lead the panel.
President Donald Trump said Pirro “choked” after she dropped charges against David Hearn.
The grand jury can issue a report on a preponderance-of-evidence standard without an indictment.
The Washington Post said the convening aims at sensitive prosecutions while Pirro faces White House pressure.

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