Senior FBI officials have been told they’ll be fired Monday, Feb. 3, if they don’t resign or retire first, according to a CNN report. The employees are either executive assistant directors or special agents in charge and were promoted to their current positions by former Director Christopher Wray.
As The New York Times reported, senior FBI officials are bracing for significant changes as they await the arrival of Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency.
Patel had a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, Jan. 30, as he works his way through the Senate confirmation process. Wray resigned earlier this month after President Trump announced he would be nominating a new director. The FBI is currently being led by acting Director Brian Driscoll.
The Times also reported that agents who participated in the Trump investigations have taken steps to retire or leave the agency. That includes an agent who worked on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the inquiry into the president’s handling of classified documents.
Trump has said he wants to weed out people who he believes weaponized the federal government against him. CNN reported that some agents say that ignores the fact agents are not allowed to choose which investigations they are assigned to.
During his confirmation hearing, Patel denied knowledge of plans to punish or fire those who have investigated Trump.
“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-N.J., asked Patel.
“I am not aware of that senator,” Patel answered.
Some Republicans agree with President Trump and Patel’s statements that investigations into the president have been tainted by bias. But Patel was warned not to go too far.
“You’ve got to find out who the bad people are and get rid of them, in accordance with due process and the rule of law. And then you’ve got to lift up the good people,” Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said. “Don’t go over there and burn that place down. Go over there and make it better.”
The Times is now reporting that the Trump administration plans to examine officers involved in investigations tied to the president and his supporters, which could lead to what the outlet described as a “purge.”
