Trump Probe Loses 2 Leaders as diGenova, 81, and Deputy Quit Amid DOJ Turmoil
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 9
Trump Probe Loses 2 Leaders as diGenova, 81, and Deputy Quit Amid DOJ Turmoil
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 9
Summary
Joseph diGenova quit after Attorney General Todd Blanche ordered him to his office on Sept. 11 “or else” following a clash with two Washington prosecutors assigned to the Trump-focused investigation.
Kurt Olsen, diGenova’s top deputy, soon followed him out; people familiar with the matter said he failed a polygraph about contacts with foreigners, jeopardizing his security clearance, though Olsen disputed that account.
The dual departures hit a Justice Department effort launched in April to pursue people Trump sees as enemies, with Blanche initially backing diGenova before turning against him.
The turmoil exposed months of dysfunction inside a case central to Trump’s revenge agenda, deepening divisions at the Justice Department and pulling resources from other investigations.
What do conflicting reports about polygraph tests and resignations reveal about the internal stability of current DOJ operations?
DOJ in Crisis: Inside the 2026 Leadership Collapse and Political Weaponization of the "Grand Conspiracy" Probe
Overview
The Department of Justice's "grand conspiracy" investigation unraveled in fall 2026 after a series of leadership crises and internal revolts. Veteran prosecutor Maria Medetis Long was removed after raising concerns about the case, followed by Joseph diGenova's resignation due to White House and DOJ frustration over his slow pace. Kurt Olsen then stepped down after losing his security clearance, as the probe relied on classified files. Meanwhile, Washington officials bypassed standard procedures, pressuring line prosecutors to rush indictments before the midterms, which led to a staff revolt and the departure of at least seven prosecutors, leaving the investigation in chaos.