Trump orders top FBI leaders to resign or leave


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Several senior FBI officials were instructed by the Trump administration to either step down, retire, or face termination by Monday. The directive affected officials at the executive assistant director and special agent in charge levels, encompassing leadership positions in cyber, national security, and criminal investigations divisions, according to CNN’s Thursday report.

An active FBI employee informed NBC News that implementing such changes would create significant operational disruption within the bureau.

This development coincided with FBI director nominee Kash Patel’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a challenging confirmation hearing.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized former President Joe Biden, claiming he used the Justice Department and FBI as political weapons against opponents. Trump has expressed his intention to implement substantial reforms within the bureau.

Prior to Trump assuming office, FBI Director Christopher Wray stepped down. Paul Abbate, who served as the FBI’s deputy director and was anticipated to temporarily succeed Wray, concluded his service with the bureau on Inauguration Day.

Following Trump’s inauguration, former agent Tom Ferguson, who previously worked with Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, transitioned into a policy advisory role at the bureau.

According to CNN’s reporting, the recent directive for officials to depart has sparked internal concern, particularly because the targeted officials had no involvement in Trump-related investigations concerning January 6, 2021, or classified document handling allegations.

The network also reported that FBI Agents Association representatives recently engaged with Patel to discuss worries about potential unfair dismissals of agents.

CNN noted that FBI agents and supervisors lack control over their assigned cases, and many FBI personnel working on Trump-related cases showed hesitation in performing their duties.

During Thursday’s hearing, Patel assured Democrats that he maintained no “enemies list” and pledged that under his leadership, the bureau would avoid political retribution and politically motivated investigations.

“I have no interest, no desire, and will not, if confirmed, go backwards,” Patel said at the confirmation. “There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.