Multiple high-ranking officials at the FBI are being directed to either retire, step down, or be terminated as part of President Trump’s efforts to reform the Justice Department that has been politicized during the Biden administration.
CNN revealed that “at least six” leaders holding positions such as executive assistant director or special agent in charge have been asked to leave. Some of them were informed about their impending removal while President Trump’s nominee for FBI director adeptly handled questions from senators during his confirmation hearing on Thursday.
The Washington Post also verified that these officials were given the ultimatum and tried to show that this development was evidence that Patel had been untruthful about not engaging in politically motivated personnel changes.
“These officials didn’t have anything to do with prosecutions of Donald Trump,” CNN’s report counters.
JUST IN – Several senior FBI leaders promoted by former Director Christopher Wray have been demoted or reassigned — CNN
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 30, 2025
CNN indicates the move has raised “consternation” and “anxiety” within the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The personnel moves come as hundreds of FBI agents who were assigned to investigate the January 6 US Capitol attack and Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents are bracing for the possibility that they could be forced out or punished, similar to what has happened to dozens of career Justice Department lawyers.
Anxiety is good. They be worried if they worked at the DOJ and FBI and allowed their positions to be exploited for political purposes rather than the cause of justice.
Acting Attorney General James McHenry informed around a dozen former Special Counsel Jack Smith staffers on Monday that their services were no longer required.
“You played a significant role in prosecuting President Trump. The proper functioning of government critically depends on the trust superior officials place in their subordinates,” McHenry wrote.
“Given your significant role in prosecuting the President, I do not believe that the leadership of the Department can trust you to assist in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.”
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Naturally, the media is attempting to Jedi mind trick the public into thinking these cleanouts at the Justice Department are an example of the weaponization of government.
In reality, they are purges of a department and bureau that wielded power in an attempt to criminalize political opponents at a level this nation has rarely seen. Actual weaponization of government.
Patel demonstrated that reality during his hearing, indicating personnel changes would never take politics into consideration.
“Are you aware of any plans or discussions to punish in any way, including termination, FBI agents or personnel associated with Trump investigations?” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) asked.
Patel replied, “I am not aware of that, senator.”
JUST IN:
Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) “Will you protect the FBI agents who worked with Jack Smith from any Trump retribution?”
Kash: “All FBI agents will be protected from political retribution.”
Blumenthal: “That was your first test and you failed.”
Kash: “For saying all agents… pic.twitter.com/6RFXMA4eKn
— AmericanPapaBear (@AmericaPapaBear) January 30, 2025
According to the Post, the senior FBI leaders were informed of their ultimatums as Patel was being questioned.
“Every FBI employee will be held to the absolute same standard, and no one will be terminated for case assignments,” Patel told Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
Officials from Trump’s transition team have indicated intentions to replace leaders who former FBI Director Christopher Wray promoted. At least some of these latest officials to be forced out, the Post writes, fell into that category.
Wray resigned at the end of the Biden administration as President Trump made clear his intentions to fire the beleaguered Director.
