Kurt Olsen, known for challenging the 2020 election results in favor of former President Trump, has left the Justice Department, as reported by sources to CBS News. Olsen was previously involved in the “grand conspiracy” investigation concerning officials from the Obama and Biden administrations. This inquiry has not yet led to any charges. Efforts to reach Olsen for comment by CBS News have been made.
Earlier in the month, another prosecutor, Joe diGenova, also stepped down. DiGenova’s resignation came amid disagreements with senior officials at the Justice Department regarding the management and progress of cases. He was appointed by Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Olsen had held a position at the White House as a “Presidentially appointed Director of Election Security and Integrity,” according to the FBI. In 2020, Olsen was involved as an attorney with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seeking intervention by the Supreme Court to change the election outcome.
In 2022, Olsen was subpoenaed by the House Jan. 6 select committee tasked with investigating events following the 2020 election. This committee accused Olsen of reaching out to senior Department of Justice officials under the former president’s orders to challenge election outcomes. The committee noted Olsen’s communication with Trump on January 6, 2021.
Olsen referred the election case in Fulton County to the FBI, leading to a warrant that allowed agents to seize significant materials related to the 2020 election, confirmed by an FBI affidavit. Additionally, Olsen made further referrals related to the 2020 election to the Justice Department, according to a source with firsthand knowledge.
Concerns within law enforcement have arisen regarding the makeup of the Trump Justice Department’s investigation team. Critics argue the inclusion of personnel with potential political motives could lead to partisan actions.
Recently, several legal professionals, including Olsen, have exited the team working on the grand conspiracy case. Sources indicate some attorneys were on temporary assignments and have concluded their roles, returning to their original jurisdictions. The Justice Department has appointed two former prosecutors to reinforce the investigative team.