It’s uncertain the specific misconduct Trump officials believe could justify criminal charges, which would require grand jury approval.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the Justice Department to move forward with a probe into the origins of the Donald Trump‑Russia investigation, following the release of documents aimed at casting doubt on the legitimacy of the inquiry that determined Moscow interfered in the 2016 election to help the Republican nominee.What Happens Next
Bondi has directed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administration’s top intelligence official, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. Fox News first reported the development.
It remains unclear which former officials could be the focus of any grand jury proceedings, where such a panel might convene, or which prosecutors — career attorneys or political appointees — would handle the case. Also uncertain is what specific misconduct Trump administration officials believe could justify criminal charges, which would require grand jury approval for an indictment.Why It Matters
The move is likely to fuel concerns that the Justice Department is being wielded for political purposes, reviving one of the most examined episodes in recent political history. President Donald Trump has repeatedly railed against the Russia probe, calling for the jailing of political opponents.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has been the subject of online death threats and calls for imprisonment after Trump and the director of national intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard accused him of treason regarding Russian influence in previous presidential elections.
The development comes as the Trump administration faces criticism over its handling of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex‑trafficking investigation.
