Former FBI director James Comey has been issued a subpoena as part of a broad investigation led by a federal prosecutor appointed during the presidency of Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. The inquiry, being conducted by Jason A. Reding Quiñones in Florida, is examining earlier investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 US election, as well as related prosecutions involving Trump and his associates. Supporters of the former president have described the effort as a “grand conspiracy” probe. Get today's headlines by email The subpoena issued to Comey is among more than 130 reportedly sent out in connection with the inquiry, highlighting the scale of the investigation. Expanding investigationOfficials have not disclosed whether the subpoenas seek documents, testimony, or both. Under US law, federal prosecutors have significant authority to issue such requests, which are typically not reviewed by a judge unless challenged in court. Neither Comey’s legal representatives nor the office of Quiñones immediately commented on the development. Focus on 2016 election inquiriesThe investigation stems from long-standing claims by Trump and his allies that law enforcement and intelligence agencies mishandled inquiries into alleged Russian interference during the 2016 election. Previous investigations, including a bipartisan Senate review and a probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller, concluded that Russia did attempt to influence the election. However, they did not find evidence that Trump’s campaign conspired with Moscow. Another review conducted by special counsel John Durham found no proof of a criminal conspiracy by officials in the Obama administration to fabricate intelligence regarding Russia. Despite these findings, some Trump allies argue that elements of the alleged misconduct fall within legal time limits for prosecution, allowing investigators to revisit aspects of the case. Previous legal effortsThe subpoena marks the latest legal development involving Comey, who was dismissed as FBI director by Trump in 2017. The Trump administration previously attempted to prosecute him over testimony given to Congress, but that case was dismissed after a judge ruled that the prosecutor had been improperly appointed. The Justice Department has since appealed that decision. Ongoing scrutinyThe current investigation reflects continuing political and legal divisions over the origins and handling of the Russia inquiry, nearly a decade after the events in question. While it remains unclear what specific evidence prosecutors are seeking from Comey, the scope of the subpoenas suggests the inquiry could continue to expand in the months ahead. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 March 2026
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