Why Trump’s DOJ is reviving the Russia probe and what it means for his enemies

Why Trump’s DOJ is reviving the Russia probe

US President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is taking its first concrete step toward prosecuting officials involved in the original 2016 Russia investigation, authorizing a grand jury probe that reflects his demand to turn grievance into legal retribution. US Attorney General Pam Bondi approved the move this week, amid mounting pressure to refocus attention from the ongoing Epstein controversy to the prosecution of Trump’s political foes, the New York Times reported.

Trump’s focus shifts from Epstein to revenge

For weeks, Trump has urged supporters to drop their obsession with unreleased Epstein files and instead push for the investigation of Democratic figures he accuses of engineering the Russia probe. The move to initiate a grand jury in South Florida appears to serve both his political need for vengeance and the practical urgency to divert public scrutiny away from the Epstein scandal, which has embarrassed the Trump-led Justice Department.

Bondi’s grand jury order aims at Obama-era officials

Attorney General Bondi’s approval came after a referral from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The decision allows prosecutors to present evidence to a Florida grand jury, avoiding the liberal-leaning District of Columbia, where original decisions in the Russia probe were made. The investigation targets statements and testimony by intelligence officials around the 2016 election, although many possible charges may fall outside the statute of limitations.

Legal experts question ethics, outcomes, and timing

The Department has not confirmed specific targets or charges, and legal analysts have raised concerns over whether political retribution is overriding due process. Critics say the probe risks eroding institutional credibility, especially since many of the issues under scrutiny were already examined by special counsel John Durham, who ended his investigation with two acquittals and no major findings. Still, Trump’s base sees renewed investigation as moral victory.

Surrogates demand arrests as Trump amplifies rhetoric

The revived probe aligns with rising pressure from pro-Trump lawmakers and January 6 rioters granted clemency, who are demanding arrests of Obama-era intelligence officials. Trump himself continues to amplify this narrative online, recently suggesting President Obama should be arrested for treason. Despite lacking solid legal ground, the push reflects Trump’s belief that federal investigations can be used to punish his enemies, regardless of outcome.

From Epstein fallout to political survival

The Justice Department’s shift may be politically motivated as much as it is investigative. Public backlash over the Epstein case—including demands to release FBI files and information from Ghislaine Maxwell—has intensified in recent weeks. Some officials believe launching a grand jury probe against Trump’s adversaries is a way to satisfy his supporters while deflecting from the Epstein scandal. Whether this strategy succeeds remains to be seen, but the political stakes are high.