FBI Report Warns of Fear, Paralysis, And Political Turmoil Under Director Kash Patel

December 8, 2025

A 115-page internal report compiled by retired and active FBI personnel reveals significant turmoil within the Bureau six months into Kash Patel's directorship. The document, submitted to Congress, describes an agency suffering from declining morale, widespread fear of retaliation, and serious concerns about leadership competence, particularly regarding Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Agents report confusion over priorities, inadequate communication, and deep divisions over controversial decisions including presidential pardons for January 6 participants and mandatory assignments assisting ICE operations.

Who is affected

FBI agents and analysts across field offices nationwide
FBI employees who worked on January 6 investigations
FBI managers and leadership
Kash Patel (FBI Director) and Dan Bongino (Deputy Director)
Individuals pardoned for January 6 convictions and their families
Law enforcement and intelligence partners in allied countries
Members of Congress (recipients of the report)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

What action is being taken

Retired and active-duty FBI agents and analysts are conducting an internal inquiry and submitting reports to Congress
FBI agents are being ordered to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations
Employees are being reassigned or fired
The Justice Department is reviewing lists of personnel who worked on January 6 investigations
FBI leadership is posting updates on social media
Employees ordered to take polygraph examinations following discussions about Patel's firearm request

Why it matters

This report matters because it reveals serious dysfunction within America's primary federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency at a time when it faces critical national security challenges. The widespread fear, mistrust, and declining morale described could undermine the FBI's ability to effectively conduct counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations. The diversion of resources to immigration enforcement and the atmosphere of retaliation may compromise both agent safety and national security priorities, while deteriorating relationships with international partners could damage crucial intelligence-sharing arrangements that protect American interests abroad.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint