Jim Jordan Calls for Investigation of Former CIA Director
In a move that underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of intelligence operations, Representative Jim Jordan, the Republican Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has formally requested the Department of Justice to consider a criminal investigation into John Brennan, who served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under President Barack Obama. The request centers on accusations that Brennan knowingly made false statements to Congress during a transcribed interview in 2023.
Jordan’s referral alleges that Brennan’s statements could constitute a violation of Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code, a felony offense that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, along with fines.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Jordan (R-Ohio) outlined the basis for his request, stating that the former CIA Director “knowingly made false statements” during his interview with the House panel in May of 2023. The focus of these alleged falsehoods pertains to the CIA’s involvement with the now-discredited Steele dossier.
Specifically, Jordan argues that Brennan falsely asserted that the CIA opposed including the Steele dossier in the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), and further denied that the agency placed any credence in its contents. Evidence suggests that this was not the case. It is alleged that a CIA officer drafted an annex using information gleaned from a summary of the dossier, reportedly disregarding objections from senior CIA officials.
The timing of these events is critical. In 2016, while at the helm of the CIA, Brennan was involved in decisions regarding whether information from the Steele dossier should be incorporated into the Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian interference in the U.S. election.
“Brennan’s claim that the CIA had no ‘involvement’ in the Steele dossier cannot be reconciled with the facts,” Jordan wrote in his letter to Bondi. “Brennan’s testimony…was a blatant attempt to knowingly and deliberately provide false and fictitious testimony about material facts.”
Jordan emphasized the seriousness of making false statements to Congress, stating that it undermines the integrity of the Committee’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight.
Jordan’s letter further contends that “Brennan made the final decision, along with then-FBI Director James Comey, to include information from the dossier in the ICA.”
This move follows the indictment of James Comey in September, who was accused of making false statements to Congress in 2020 regarding the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between President Trump and Russia. Comey pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his trial is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026.
The allegations against Brennan raise concerns about the politicization of intelligence and the potential for misleading Congress. Conservatives have long argued for accountability within the intelligence community, particularly concerning actions taken during the previous administration. The request for a criminal investigation reflects the ongoing commitment to ensure that those entrusted with protecting national security operate with transparency and honesty.
The Department of Justice is now tasked with reviewing the evidence presented by Representative Jordan and determining whether a formal investigation into Brennan’s statements is warranted. The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for the future of intelligence oversight and the integrity of Congressional testimony.
