FBI Morale Plummets Under Patel Leadership, Internal Assessment reveals
A newly released assessment paints a stark picture of teh federal Bureau of Inquiry under the leadership of Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, revealing widespread concerns about politicization, excessive focus on social media, and a climate of fear within the agency. The assessment, compiled by anonymous FBI personnel and shared with The Washington Post, details a series of incidents and perceptions that have reportedly led to internal paralysis.
The report highlights allegations of improper conduct by Patel, including claims he assigned SWAT personnel to provide protection for his girlfriend and utilized government aircraft for personal travel. More specifically, the assessment recounts an incident following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where Patel allegedly delayed disembarking from an FBI jet in Provo, utah, over a minor issue with a borrowed raid jacket.According to a “highly respected” source within the report, agents working the Kirk investigation were diverted to modify a female agent’s jacket to meet patel’s specifications, requiring the removal of Velcro patches from SWAT team uniforms.
The assessment also alleges Patel engaged in a heated confrontation with the special agent-in-charge, directing “an expletive-laden tirade” over perceived shortcomings in the Kirk case.Dan Bongino, the deputy director, reportedly apologized for the outburst, stating it “never should have happened.”
Multiple sources within the FBI expressed concern over what they describe as an undue emphasis on social media,with leadership communicating agency priorities more frequently through public posts than official internal channels. Bongino, who was granted a waiver by Patel exempting him from the standard polygraph screening typically required for FBI personnel due to his lack of traditional FBI experience, was described by one source as “something of a clown.”
The report details further instances of perceived overreach, including Patel’s ordering of polygraph examinations for personnel at Quantico after details leaked regarding his request for an FBI-issued firearm. A respected FBI leader characterized this order as “needlessly punitive.”
While the assessment acknowledges some positive feedback,including support for the rollback of diversity and equity initiatives and improved immigration enforcement,it emphasizes the overwhelmingly negative sentiment. The authors state the anecdotal reporting “skewed 80/20 negative” and advise Patel and Bongino to consider the criticism.
Concerns extend beyond the agency’s internal dynamics. The report notes anxieties from allied countries,with law enforcement and intelligence agencies fearing the trump management “may cause long-term damage to international cooperation.”
The White House has recently denied reports suggesting President Trump intends to remove Patel from his position. Copies of the assessment are being distributed to relevant congressional judiciary committees this week. The authors, requesting anonymity to protect their careers, maintain the assessment ”was never intended to be a hit piece” but represents a genuine reflection of the current state of morale and operational concerns within the FBI.
