Since late last year, discussions have intensified regarding two investigations involving John O. Brennan, former director of the CIA. Senior officials at the Justice Department and media allies have been open about these inquiries. Brennan, known for being a strong critic of President Trump, now faces potential legal action.

On Wednesday, Brennan’s legal team responded firmly. They warned the Trump administration that any charges brought against Brennan would be viewed as retaliatory. This statement came alongside a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Washington. Brennan’s lawyers requested that President Trump and top Justice Department officials preserve all records related to the investigations. This is in preparation for a possible claim of vindictive and selective prosecution.

The request to maintain documents in a case not yet filed showcases the irregularity of Trump’s actions in pursuing adversaries through the judicial system. As the administration’s legal maneuvers have grown more forceful, so too have the defensive strategies from individuals like Brennan.

Allegations against Brennan, who led the CIA under President Obama, are unique. They suggest that prosecutors identified him as a target before establishing a crime. Currently, there are two theories being pursued by department officials.

The investigation based in Washington focuses on whether Brennan misled Congress about his role in a January 2017 intelligence report. This report concluded that Russia attempted to assist Trump’s 2016 electoral victory.