FBI ‘Purge’ Sparks Outcry: Former Officials Accuse Director Patel of Undermining Bureau’s Independence

A group of former FBI, intelligence, diplomatic, and national security officials, known as The Steady State, has released a scathing letter accusing FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino of orchestrating a political “purge” within the bureau. The group claims that Agents Brian Driscoll, Michael Feinberg, and Walter Giardina were fired due to their lack of loyalty to President Trump, rather than any performance issues. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to dismantle the FBI’s independence and transform it into a tool of political loyalty.

Independence Under Threat
The Steady State’s letter argues that the FBI’s independence is “a democratic necessity” and that the current actions threaten to undermine the bureau’s integrity. “It is not about reform. It is about control,” the letter reads. “The aim, it seems, is to transform the FBI from a respected, constitutionally grounded investigative service into a personal enforcement arm of a political figure.” The group warns that such dynamics have led to trouble in other countries, where leaders demand loyalty from security services not to the law, but to themselves ¹.

Fallout and Concerns
The firings have sparked concern among former agents and lawmakers, who see this as a worrying trend of politicization within the FBI. Former FBI Agent Phil Kennedy shared The Steady State’s letter on social media, referring to the recent firings as a “Bureau bloodbath.” The FBI Agents Association has also condemned the firings, warning that “firing agents without due process will make the country less safe.” As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering about the implications for the FBI’s independence and the rule of law.