The United States President, Donald Trump administration has initiated a large-scale purge within the U.S Justice Department, specifically targeting FBI officials linked to past investigations of the President and the January 6 Capitol riot.
Reports from American media on Friday revealed that dozens of FBI agents, including high-ranking officials, are under scrutiny for possible removal, with some already given the option to resign or face termination.
According to The Washington Post, top FBI officials from various offices, including headquarters, were informed earlier in the week that they must either step down or be dismissed.
The newspaper further disclosed that at least 30 federal prosecutors involved in Capitol riot cases had already been removed.
A memo from Acting Deputy Attorney General, Emil Bove, obtained by multiple news outlets, directed the FBI to compile a list of all agents and prosecutors who participated in the Capitol riot investigation.
Bove stated that this was part of a broader “review process to determine whether any additional personnel actions are necessary,” emphasizing that the administration would not “tolerate subversive personnel actions by the previous administration.”
Additionally, the Justice Department dismissed several officials on Monday who had been involved in the now-dropped criminal cases against Trump.
In a message to FBI staff, acting Director Brian Driscoll underscored the department’s commitment to “follow the law, follow FBI policy, and do what’s in the best interest of the workforce and the American people.”
The shake-up follows the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray, who was replaced by Trump loyalist Kash Patel.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Patel denied knowledge of planned terminations but pledged to shield FBI employees from political retaliation.
Trump has long accused the FBI of being “weaponized” against him, particularly during investigations into Russian election interference and legal battles surrounding the 2020 election.
When asked about the recent firings, Trump defended the move, stating, “If they fired some people over there, that’s a good thing, because they were very bad.”
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin condemned the reported firings, calling them “a major blow to the FBI and Justice Department’s integrity and effectiveness.”
“Unelected Trump lackeys are carrying out widespread political retribution against our nation’s career law enforcement officials,” Durbin said.
The FBI Agents Association also criticized the move, warning that the dismissal of hundreds of agents could weaken national security and undermine law enforcement efforts.
It remains unclear what legal options, if any, the dismissed agents may have to challenge their terminations.
