Top officials at the FBI have been given an ultimatum by the Trump administration to resign or face losing their jobs, according to Fox News.
The exact number of officials affected has not been revealed, but the ultimatum reportedly targeted senior employees who were promoted during the tenure of former director Christopher A. Wray.
President Donald Trump’s administration made these moves as his nominee to lead the bureau, Kash Patel, assured that he would not focus on past transgressions or seek retribution.
“If confirmed, I will not engage in any form of politicization or retributive actions at the FBI,” Patel stated during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
MAJOR FBI CHANGES KASH PATEL COULD MAKE ON DAY 1 IF CONFIRMED AS DIRECTOR
Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s choice to be director of the FBI, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP)
According to a report by The New York Times, one senior agent received an email informing him that he would be removed from the FBI as of Monday morning without any given reasons.
“I received no explanation for this decision, which was quite shocking,” the agent wrote.
The FBI seal is displayed on a podium before a news conference at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
During the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Patel denied any knowledge of the Trump administration’s plans for retribution.
“Do you have any information about potential punitive actions, including firing, against FBI agents or staff involved in Trump-related investigations?” asked Democratic Sen. Cory Booker.
SPARKS EXPECTED TO FLY AT KASH PATEL’S SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARING TO LEAD FBI
Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s choice to be director of the FBI, arrives for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
“I have no knowledge of any such actions, senator,” Patel responded.
Although Patel has been nominated, an official director has not been confirmed, causing alarm among those affected by the ultimatum.
For now, Brian Driscoll remains the acting director of the bureau.
When contacted by Fox News, the FBI declined to comment.
