FBI Agents Face Growing Fear of Mass Firings Amid Trump Administration's Actions
Amid concerns over political retaliation, FBI leadership and agents’ association offer reassurances and guidance to staff.
WASHINGTON — Anxiety is sweeping through the FBI as agents fear mass firings under the Trump administration, especially after a recent push to identify and remove personnel involved in the January 6 investigations. Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll, along with the bureau’s New York field office chief and an agents' association, are stepping in to reassure staff while opposing the administration’s attempts to purge FBI officials.
The turmoil erupted after President Donald Trump expressed approval of the firing of eight high-ranking FBI executives on Friday, just hours after issuing pardons to many of the January 6 rioters. His actions raised suspicions that he was targeting agents involved in the criminal investigations into the events of that day.
In a message to FBI employees on Saturday, Driscoll confirmed that the Trump administration was seeking the names of every agent who worked on the January 6 cases — a group numbering in the thousands. He assured staff that the FBI was collaborating with the Department of Justice to determine the purpose of these lists and the reasons behind the request.
On Sunday, the FBI Agents Association notified its members that some agents had received a 12-question survey from senior officials, asking about their involvement in the January 6 investigations. The association confirmed the authenticity of the survey and advised members to consult with division leadership on how to respond.
The association also recommended agents provide specific responses to one of the survey's questions, emphasizing that they were being “required to respond” without adequate time for preparation or legal consultation. It also encouraged agents to clarify that they were performing their duties in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.
Legal experts and current and former FBI officials believe the Trump administration is engaging in a campaign of retaliation against those involved in investigating his role in the Capitol riot. “This is uncharted territory,” said Douglas Charles, a professor at Pennsylvania State University who specializes in FBI history. “This isn’t just a reorganization — it’s an attempt to dismantle the independent culture of the FBI.”
While Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, assured during his confirmation hearing that all FBI employees would be protected from political retribution, actions taken by his administration suggest otherwise. In less than 24 hours after Patel’s statement, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a former defense lawyer for Trump, ordered the removal of the eight top executives and requested the list of agents who worked on the January 6 cases.
If Patel is confirmed, he could swiftly remove Driscoll and take action against the agents involved in the investigations, potentially placing them on administrative leave, transferring them, or attempting to fire them.
The FBI Agents Association issued a warning to its members on Saturday, advising those who fear being targeted to avoid resigning voluntarily. The association also encouraged agents to remain calm and refrain from making any statements that could violate the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities.
Driscoll emphasized in his message to staff that FBI agents do not select the cases they work on, and being assigned to politically charged investigations should not be seen as an indication of misconduct. He reassured employees that they are protected by civil service laws that guarantee due process if they face disciplinary actions.
On Friday, the Society of Former FBI Agents also condemned the administration’s apparent efforts to force agents out. “We are deeply disturbed by reports that FBI employees are being forced to resign or face immediate dismissal without due process,” the group said in a statement.
In an effort to steady nerves, Driscoll’s leadership has drawn support from multiple FBI officials. Akil Davis, head of the bureau’s Los Angeles field office, reassured his staff that reports of leadership shake-ups were false and that reviews concerning January 6 cases were being addressed. Meanwhile, James Dennehy, head of the New York field office, praised Driscoll for his defense of the bureau’s independence, urging agents to “dig in” during this challenging period.
Despite the uncertainty, Driscoll’s unwavering stance against political interference has gained recognition and respect among his colleagues, who continue to stand by the principles of the FBI’s mission.