FBI Alumni Launch Support Network as Up to 2,800 Agents Leave Under Patel
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 11
FBI Alumni Launch Support Network as Up to 2,800 Agents Leave Under Patel
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 11
Summary
FBI alumni have created an FBI Support Network to provide legal, job-search and mental-health help for former agents and analysts, while backing staff still inside the bureau.
Up to 2,800 agents have left since January 2025, according to figures cited by advisory committee member Kayla Staph, who said many were fired, pushed out or forced to resign and suffered "moral injuries."
About one-third of those departures were leaders, Staph said, arguing the losses weakened the bureau's institutional values and made it easier to use the FBI for political retribution.
Brian Driscoll, a former acting director later fired after trying to shield agents tied to Trump-related investigations, appears in the launch video alongside archival remarks from former director Robert Mueller.
The network casts itself as an outside voice for apolitical agents who cannot publicly respond, underscoring broader alarm among former national security officials over the bureau's direction under Director Kash Patel.
Is the FBI's high turnover creating new vulnerabilities in national security?
What is the 'moral injury' driving experienced federal agents from public service?
Inside the 2026 FBI Upheaval: Mass Departures, Political Retaliation, and the Fight for Agency Independence
Overview
In June 2026, the FBI and Justice Department faced unprecedented upheaval as the administration removed officials and policies seen as 'left-wing' or 'woke.' Under Director Kash Patel, agents involved in sensitive investigations, such as the January 6 Capitol riot and classified documents, were targeted for demotion or firing, reportedly as retaliation for past probes into the president. Many affected agents struggled to find new jobs and felt their careers were unfairly ended for doing their duties. This turmoil led to the creation of the FBI Support Network, offering support to those impacted by the sweeping personnel changes.