WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — The FBI has continued its personnel purge, forcing out additional agents and supervisors tied to the federal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The latest firings took place despite attempts by Washington's top federal prosecutor to intervene, according to sources familiar with the matter. Although plans for termination were briefly paused following concerns raised by D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the agents were ultimately dismissed again on Tuesday.
The total number of agents fired remains unclear. This wave of terminations is part of a broader upheaval under FBI Director Kash Patel, who has been accused of acting on political pressure to oust employees involved in investigations that angered the Trump administration. In September, three ousted high-ranking FBI officials sued Patel, claiming he instigated a campaign of retribution.
When asked for comments, spokespeople for both Patel and Pirro did not respond. Criticism from the FBI Agents Association has illustrated the turmoil within the bureau, stating that Patel has disregarded the law and enacted arbitrary retribution against agents. The Association specifically highlighted the chaotic nature of the recent terminations, emphasizing that an agent appropriately conducting an investigation should never be terminated.
Under scrutiny, the investigation leading to special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of Trump has been criticized by GOP lawmakers, who allege that the Biden administration's Justice Department has been weaponized against conservatives. Furthermore, the Justice Department has dismissed prosecutors and staff who participated in Smith’s team, aligning with the FBI's recent purges and escalating unrest within the agency.
Past firings include the head of the Washington field office and officials connected to inquiries regarding the January 6 Capitol riot. The ongoing purge reflects an increasing politicization within the FBI, raising alarms about the bureau's integrity and independence.
The total number of agents fired remains unclear. This wave of terminations is part of a broader upheaval under FBI Director Kash Patel, who has been accused of acting on political pressure to oust employees involved in investigations that angered the Trump administration. In September, three ousted high-ranking FBI officials sued Patel, claiming he instigated a campaign of retribution.
When asked for comments, spokespeople for both Patel and Pirro did not respond. Criticism from the FBI Agents Association has illustrated the turmoil within the bureau, stating that Patel has disregarded the law and enacted arbitrary retribution against agents. The Association specifically highlighted the chaotic nature of the recent terminations, emphasizing that an agent appropriately conducting an investigation should never be terminated.
Under scrutiny, the investigation leading to special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of Trump has been criticized by GOP lawmakers, who allege that the Biden administration's Justice Department has been weaponized against conservatives. Furthermore, the Justice Department has dismissed prosecutors and staff who participated in Smith’s team, aligning with the FBI's recent purges and escalating unrest within the agency.
Past firings include the head of the Washington field office and officials connected to inquiries regarding the January 6 Capitol riot. The ongoing purge reflects an increasing politicization within the FBI, raising alarms about the bureau's integrity and independence.
