Maria Medetis Long was removed from the investigation into John Brennan on April 17, 2026. This investigation focuses on whether Brennan lied to Congress about the CIA’s role in assessing Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The Justice Department stated that it routinely moves attorneys on cases. However, Long indicated to her superiors that she did not believe there was sufficient evidence to charge Brennan. Her removal comes amid pressure from Donald Trump for the Justice Department to expedite investigations against his critics.
Chris DeLorenz has been assigned to the case following Long’s departure. The investigation has been ongoing for months, with Brennan’s lawyers preparing for a possible indictment during that time.
The Justice Department has conducted interviews and issued subpoenas as part of this inquiry. It is examining allegations that Brennan made false statements to Congress in 2023 regarding intelligence assessments.
Long is known as the head of the national security section for the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of Florida. She informed lawyers that she was no longer handling the investigation, a move some observers find unusual.
Greg Brower, a former FBI official, remarked, “This kind of move is extremely unusual—not ‘normal and healthy’ as DOJ has suggested.” Yet, a Justice Department spokesperson defended the action, stating, “It is completely healthy and normal to change members of legal teams.”
The investigation into Russian election interference ultimately did not find that Trump’s campaign or associates conspired with Russia or that Trump committed a crime. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific reasons for Long’s removal from the case and who will take over next.
