Kurt Olsen resigns from DOJ "grand conspiracy" probe weeks after diGenova's exit

Kurt Olsen, an attorney who supported Donald Trump's false 2020 election claims, has resigned from a Justice Department investigation known as the "grand conspiracy" probe, according to anonymous sources. 1 2 The Florida-based probe examines whether former officials plotted against Trump, and reaches back to the 2016 campaign and the criminal cases he later faced. 2 Olsen's exit comes weeks after Trump ally Joe diGenova left the effort without filing a criminal charge. 1 2

DiGenova suggested to the New York Post that he was being pressured to bring charges without evidence. 2 3 Olsen had no previous experience as a prosecutor and was deeply involved in litigation over Trump's 2020 election challenge. 2 1 The Independent adds that Arizona courts sanctioned Olsen for false statements in litigation for Kari Lake. 1

The Atlantic, citing the New York Times and Washington Post, says Olsen faced security clearance difficulties and was frustrated by pressure from DOJ officials to move faster; the Independent and ABC give no reason. 3 Olsen could not be reached for comment, and a DOJ spokesperson declined to comment to ABC. 2 ABC says other line prosecutors have also left the South Florida office, though one source said they were temporary detailees whose terms had expired and that more attorneys have been added. 2

Former CIA Director John Brennan has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury, and his lawyer said Olsen told them Brennan is also a target of a separate false-statements investigation. 1 2 Current and former federal prosecutors have questioned the legal theory of charging Trump's foes under a civil rights statute, according to ABC's sources. 2 It is unclear whether any indictments will result or what evidence supports the claim of a plot. 1