Former Trump Campaign Lawyer to Lead Federal Investigation in Florida
Joe diGenova, a former Trump campaign attorney who backed President Donald Trump’s attempts to challenge the results of the 2020 election, has been appointed to head a federal investigation in Florida focused on former officials who probed Trump’s actions. A Justice Department official confirmed the news to NBC News on Saturday.
Investigation Targets Previous Justice Department Officials
At 81, diGenova, who served as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia during the Reagan administration, will spearhead a sweeping investigation aiming at the Trump administration’s perceived adversaries. This inquiry is linked to earlier investigations by the Justice Department regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Allegations of a ‘Deep State’ Conspiracy
Trump and his allies have consistently asserted that a “deep state” within government orchestrated efforts to undermine him during his presidency, with the Russia investigation being portrayed as a politically motivated campaign. However, a report from 2019 disclosed that Russia’s actions actually favored Trump’s candidacy while attempting to sabotage Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Importantly, Trump has not faced any charges related to these allegations, as former special counsel Robert Mueller refrained from determining whether any indictable offenses were committed, citing legal precedent that protects sitting presidents from federal prosecution.
Leadership Transition in the Investigation
DiGenova’s appointment follows the resignation of Maria Medetis Long, a career prosecutor leading investigations that included former CIA Director John Brennan. Medetis Long reportedly resisted advancing investigations into Brennan, who had been accused by Trump supporters on Capitol Hill of providing false testimony.
Scope and Strategy of the Investigation
DiGenova will oversee the so-called grand conspiracy inquiry, which is managed by Jason A. Redding Quiñones, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The investigation utilizes a Fort Pierce-based grand jury led by U.S. District Judge Eileen Cannon, also appointed by Trump. According to a Justice Department official, diGenova has also been designated as an advisor to the attorney general.
Statute of Limitations and Legal Strategies
The statute of limitations for most federal offenses spans five years. Some of Trump’s supporters have proposed a “grand conspiracy” investigation as a potential workaround. They argue that if any overt actions linked to prior investigations occurred within this time frame, those could be consolidated into a larger criminal conspiracy, enabling new indictments for past offenses.
Subpoenas and Investigation Developments
Recently, former FBI Director James Comey received a subpoena regarding the investigation, contributing to reports that over 130 subpoenas have been issued so far. This suggests a significant escalation in the inquiry’s scope and potential implications for various figures connected to the previous administration.
Controversial Background of DiGenova
DiGenova has a documented history of promoting unfounded claims regarding the 2020 presidential election, which he falsely asserts was won by Trump. Alongside his wife Victoria Tensing, Rudy Giuliani, and Sidney Powell, diGenova was part of what Jenna Ellis described as an “elite strike force” during a controversial press conference following Trump’s electoral defeat. In contrast, Ellis later pled guilty in 2023 for facilitating false statements related to the election aftermath.
Previous Rhetoric and Conduct
DiGenova has also been known for his severe rhetoric aimed at federal officials who opposed Trump. He once demanded that former Homeland Security official Christopher Krebs be “dragged and quartered” after Krebs refuted disinformation propagated by the Trump administration. Although diGenova later expressed remorse for his comments, his sharp critiques—such as labeling Brennan a “true traitor” during a Fox News appearance—underscore his contentious relationship with prominent figures within the federal government.
