The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to revisit the Russiagate investigations, hiring Joe diGenova and settling a $1.25 million claim with Carter Page. Acting AG Todd Blanche has been central to these moves, which echo the president’s longstanding vow to retaliate against critics. Despite the momentum, a Washington grand jury push appears to have slowed, leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.
Trump Administration Revives Russiagate Fight as DOJ Hires Joe diGenova
The Trump administration has renewed a public push to revisit the investigations into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. In recent weeks, senior officials and allies have focused on individuals who played central roles in the original probe, while the Justice Department has taken several high-profile steps that signal a more aggressive posture.
Key Developments
Most recently, the Justice Department retained veteran attorney Joe diGenova — a combative lawyer whose firm represented clients connected to Robert Mueller’s inquiry and who nearly represented the president — to assist in efforts targeting those who once investigated Mr. Trump. The hiring has been publicly promoted by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is serving as acting attorney general after the departure of Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The administration also reached a reported $1.25 million settlement with Carter Page, a 2016 Trump campaign adviser at the center of a court-authorized surveillance controversy. That settlement follows an earlier agreement with former national security adviser Michael Flynn, whose 2016 contacts with Russia and subsequent guilty plea for lying to the FBI helped spark the broader investigation.
In addition, the White House has publicly urged Republican lawmakers to extend the FBI's intelligence collection authorities, even as the president continues to attack former officials for their roles in the 2016 inquiries. In September, the president directed prosecutors to pursue charges against former FBI director James Comey and personally selected a prosecutor to bring the case, which ultimately did not result in a conviction. Reports also suggest prosecutors are exploring potential actions involving former CIA director John Brennan.
Who's Driving the Push
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer to the president, has signaled swift action that aligns with Mr. Trump's desire to revisit perceived slights from the Russia investigation. Blanche publicly announced diGenova's hiring, posted photos with him, and the department’s rapid-response account pushed back on reporting questioning the timing of the appointment.
'The Russia Hoax was one of the greatest political scandals in American history and a clear attempt to subvert the will of the American people,' White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. 'The American people should always remember every single person who was involved in this sick hoax, including many in the mainstream media who uncritically amplified the Democrats’ perverse narrative.'
Outlook
Despite the flurry of public moves, the outcome of the renewed effort remains uncertain. An early push to the Washington, D.C., grand jury reportedly slowed, with some subpoenas withdrawn and a more gradual interview schedule underway. Whether this campaign will produce new charges or primarily serve as a political and reputational counterattack remains to be seen.
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