FBI Director Kash Patel has dismissed at least 10 bureau employees connected to the federal investigation into President Donald Trump\u2019s handling of classified documents, according to multiple news outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The personnel moves followed an internal review ordered by Patel into the FBI\u2019s actions during former Special Counsel Jack Smith\u2019s investigation into Trump\u2019s retention of classified materials after leaving office in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patel initiated the review after learning that the FBI had obtained subpoenas for his own phone records, as well as those of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, during the time both were private citizens. In a statement, Patel described the subpoenas as \u201coutrageous and deeply alarming,\u201d arguing they were issued on \u201cflimsy pretexts\u201d and without sufficient oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His comments were made public Wednesday, just hours before CNN, CBS, and Reuters reported that multiple agents connected to Smith\u2019s probe had been removed from their posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reported dismissals include personnel from several field offices. In recent weeks, senior leaders in the Atlanta and New Orleans field offices, the acting assistant director overseeing the New York field office, and six agents in Miami \u2014 all described as having ties to one of Smith\u2019s investigations involving Trump \u2014 were also let go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The moves come amid continued debate over the scope and conduct of the special counsel\u2019s investigations into the president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith, who previously testified before Congress, defended his decisions in bringing charges against Trump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cI stand by my decisions as special counsel, including the decision to bring charges against President Trump,\u201d Smith said in his opening statement. \u201cOur investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in criminal activity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
A federal grand jury had indicted Trump on 40 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents following a 2022 FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago residence. Authorities said classified materials were discovered in areas of the property accessible to others. Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing and characterized the investigation as politically motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith ultimately dropped the classified documents case after Trump won election to a second term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, blocked the Justice Department from releasing portions of Smith\u2019s report related to the classified documents probe, siding with the president and his co-defendants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patel\u2019s actions mark a significant leadership shift at the FBI as the bureau continues to face scrutiny from Republican lawmakers and voters who have raised concerns about its conduct in high-profile investigations involving Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n