Two former senior U.S. officials, John Brennan and James Comey, are now reportedly the subjects of a criminal investigation conducted by the Department of Justice. Both men, who held prominent roles in national security and intelligence, received subpoenas from a federal grand jury late last year, according to multiple sources aware of the probe.
Brennan, who served as CIA Director from 2013 to 2017, and Comey, the former FBI Director, are alleged to be under scrutiny for their involvement in handling classified intelligence and sharing sensitive information with the press. Details of the allegations remain closely held, but investigators appear to be examining whether either leaked source-protected intelligence in an improper or unauthorized manner.
Sources say subpoenas demanded testimony and the production of documents related to meetings and communications between Brennan, Comey, and journalists. The grand jury is also reviewing potential evidence collected during prior congressional oversight hearings and internal internal investigations. It remains unclear whether both individuals have actually appeared before the panel or complied with the subpoenas.
The probe is being conducted out of the Department of Justice in Washington, using a prosecutor’s office that regularly handles national security and classified matters. Officials emphasize that a criminal investigation does not imply guilt, and that the inquiry remains confidential and ongoing.
Public reaction has been mixed. Critics argue that moves to investigate career officials connected to high-level counterterrorism and Russian election interference probes resemble politically motivated tactics that could chill future intelligence cooperation. Supporters counter that no one is above the law, and maintaining tight controls on classified information is critical, regardless of political allegiance.
At this stage, it is unknown whether the grand jury will issue any indictments. Department of Justice policies generally prohibit public disclosure of ongoing cases, so a referral to a judge or prosecutor could come months later, or not at all. Brennan and Comey have not issued public statements, and their attorneys have declined to comment.
Still, the investigation signals a significant escalation in legal scrutiny surrounding the handling of classified U.S. intelligence. It also underscores the lasting impact of post-election investigations and the intense politicization of government espionage work in recent years. For both men, what began as professional oversight may now have serious criminal implications and the country is watching closely as this high-profile case progresses.
