Trump Administration Pressures Senior FBI Officials to Resign
The Trump administration has reportedly instructed senior FBI officials to either step down or face termination, Fox News has learned. While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, the directive is said to target those promoted under former FBI Director Christopher A. Wray.
This development comes as Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, assured lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing that his leadership would not be driven by retribution or political motives.
“I have no interest, no desire, and will not, if confirmed, go backwards. There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken,” Patel stated before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
FBI Shakeup Raises Concerns
According to a report from The New York Times, an internal email from a senior FBI agent revealed that he was informed of his impending dismissal, effective as soon as Monday morning.
“I was given no rationale for this decision, which, as you might imagine, has come as a shock,” the agent wrote in his message to colleagues.
The FBI’s official seal displayed on a podium at a news conference in Washington further underscored the gravity of the situation. The abrupt nature of these forced resignations has raised concerns within the agency.
Patel Denies Knowledge of Retaliatory Actions
During his confirmation hearing, Patel was questioned about potential politically motivated dismissals. Democratic Senator Cory Booker specifically asked whether he was aware of any plans to punish FBI personnel involved in past investigations concerning Trump.
“I am not aware of that, senator,” Patel responded.
Although Patel is awaiting Senate confirmation, the looming changes at the FBI have created uncertainty within the bureau. Until the confirmation process concludes, Brian Driscoll continues to serve as the acting FBI director.