The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) has expressed serious concerns to Congressional leaders regarding recent actions by acting Department of Justice and FBI personnel. These actions, according to the FBIAA, could jeopardize the careers of numerous employees and disrupt critical Bureau operations. The FBIAA, representing over 14,000 active and retired FBI special agents, specifically highlighted the order from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to dismiss the entire FBI senior leadership team, including the assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office. Also causing concern is the directive for FBI employees to create lists of all current and former personnel involved in investigations related to the January 6th Capitol riot and a Hamas-related case.

The FBIAA states these lists will be used to assess potential further personnel actions against these individuals. While the Trump administration has not confirmed any specific actions, the FBIAA emphasizes that these moves have created significant apprehension. The association argues that special agents who put their lives on the line are now facing career uncertainty for simply following orders from their superiors. They describe the actions as lacking transparency and due process, and warn they could hinder ongoing investigations and damage the FBI’s collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies.

Former President Trump declined to comment directly on potential removals of FBI employees connected to the January 6th investigation, stating his belief that the FBI is "corrupt" and expressing confidence in his nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, to rectify the situation. Trump reiterated his view that both the FBI and DOJ have suffered reputational damage and stressed the need for impeccable law enforcement. Former Justice Department officials have voiced worries about the potential chilling effect these actions could have on the FBI's work across its various field offices, impacting their ability to address counterterrorism threats, organized crime, drug trafficking, and other critical areas.

A retired FBI agent, speaking to Fox News, urged a measured response, pointing out that the acting director and deputy director of the FBI remain in their positions. This individual emphasized that the January 6th investigation and involved personnel adhered to established Bureau and DOJ guidelines, and that resulting convictions were secured through due process in federal courts. They also noted that while convictions can be overturned or pardoned, the initial basis for a federal investigation remains unchanged.