Trump DOJ conspiracy probe pick resigns after clashes
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The gist
Joe diGenova resigned Thursday from the DOJ conspiracy probe into Trump's foes.
The Florida-based investigation has produced no indictments in a year.
Background
The Justice Department launched a south Florida-based investigation a year ago into whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired against Trump, including over Russian interference in the 2016 election. Joe diGenova, an 81-year-old attorney who represented Trump during his 2020 campaign and the Russia investigation, was brought on in April as counselor to the attorney general to oversee it. He resigned after clashes with top Justice officials over the pace of the probe, which had not produced indictments.
How it unfolded
- recentlyThe Florida-based investigation proceeds in fits and starts since its inception a year ago, with its contours loosely defined.
- Apr 2026Joe diGenova is hired by the Justice Department as counselor to the attorney general to oversee the conspiracy investigation.
- recent daysDiGenova clashes with top Justice officials, including one who advised him he had lost the confidence of his superiors.
- Sep 10, 2026DiGenova resigns by letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, saying it was an honor and privilege to serve.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- DiGenova said: 'If you want indictments where there's no evidence, you have an ethical problem.'
- Analysts
- Talking Points Memo wrote that diGenova's comments to the New York Post will be damaging in any subsequent prosecution arising from the investigation.
- Caution
- Sources said diGenova had lost support from DOJ leaders and the White House, with one suggesting he was 'slow-rolling' indictments and getting lost down 'rabbit holes.'
Still unverified
A career prosecutor, Maria Medetis Long, was reportedly forced off the case after she allegedly resisted pressure to quickly bring charges against former CIA director John Brennan; this is reported by The Independent and not confirmed by the DOJ. Several prosecutors sent from the main DOJ office in DC had been sidelined once they arrived, according to sources.