Musk-Linked Adviser in FBI Director’s Office Raises Concerns Over Political Influence
An individual affiliated with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and a former aide to a prominent FBI critic in Congress are now advising the bureau’s director, sparking debate among officials.
WASHINGTON — A former SpaceX affiliate and an ex-aide to one of the FBI’s strongest critics in Congress have joined the team advising the agency’s director, according to multiple current and former FBI officials.
These individuals are among at least four new advisers appointed to the FBI director’s office, with two being retired FBI agents. One of them, Tom Ferguson, previously worked for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump and a vocal critic of the FBI.
The presence of an individual linked to SpaceX in this role has not been previously reported. NBC News has not verified their identity, and SpaceX has not responded to requests for comment.
While it remains unclear who facilitated these appointments or their specific responsibilities, the development has stirred concerns within the FBI. Some officials see potential for much-needed reforms, while others worry that political affiliations could undermine the bureau’s long-standing tradition of nonpartisanship.
Unlike the Department of Justice, the FBI has only one political appointee—the director—who serves a 10-year term. This structure was established following the 1972 death of longtime FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, who was known for using the agency to meddle in politics, surveilling and discrediting political figures across the spectrum.
Rob D’Amico, a former FBI agent, noted that the advisers may be helping the bureau reform internal practices, such as decentralizing operations from Washington, D.C. However, he cautioned that the presence of politically connected individuals at the highest levels of the FBI must be managed carefully to avoid conflicts of interest.
New Advisers at the FBI Director’s Office
One of the advisers, Gregory Mentzer, a former FBI agent, has listed his new role at the FBI director’s office on LinkedIn. Another, Ferguson, describes his position as “Senior Policy Advisor, Director’s Advisory Team.” Ferguson, previously an aide to Jordan, referred inquiries to the House Judiciary Committee, which declined to comment.
Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has frequently accused the FBI of political bias, claiming it suppressed news about Hunter Biden’s laptop and retaliated against whistleblowers. He has also strongly supported Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, who has described the FBI as a “cunning and powerful arm of the Deep State.” Patel's Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Ferguson has openly engaged in politically charged debates, particularly on race and gender issues. In a 2021 LinkedIn post, he criticized Disney for promoting a “false narrative of systemic racism.” He has also been involved in high-profile school board protests in Fairfax County, Virginia, speaking out against changes to sex education policies.
Concerns Over Political Influence
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, has insisted that the agency does not investigate speech or monitor school board meetings. He recently resigned after Trump signaled his intent to replace him. The FBI is currently being led by a Trump-appointed acting director, pending Patel’s confirmation.
While some former FBI officials acknowledge that modernization is necessary, they also warn against infusing the bureau with political ideology. Frank Figliuzzi, a former head of the FBI’s counterintelligence division, cautioned that while reforms should be welcomed, the current changes raise serious concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement.
“There is a serious perception that this is far more about politics than enforcing our nation’s laws,” Figliuzzi said.