A recent report from both active-duty and retired FBI agents has raised serious concerns about the leadership of Director Kash Patel. Released on October 15, 2023, and obtained by the New York Post, the document, titled “A Pulse Check of the First Six Months,” describes the FBI as a “rudderless ship” under Patel’s direction. The report highlights a significant decline in morale within the agency, attributing this to Patel’s perceived lack of experience and leadership capabilities.
The assessment, compiled by a group of 24 agents, claims that Patel “has neither the breadth of experience nor the bearing an FBI director needs to be successful.” One anonymous source stated that while Patel is “very personable and likable,” he has inadvertently fostered “a culture of mistrust and uncertainty among the ranks.” Many within the organization reportedly feel apprehensive about voicing their concerns, fearing repercussions for their employment.
Criticism has not only been directed at Patel but also at Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The report described Bongino as “something of a clown,” a characterization that he dismissed as “gossipy nonsense” aimed at undermining the reforms implemented under Patel’s leadership. In a post on X, Bongino stated, “A LOT of people are very upset at the changes and reforms we’ve made at the FBI. They will do anything to revert to the old ways of doing things.”
During a recent incident following the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, an anecdote from the report illustrates Patel’s leadership style. It claims that Patel “refused” to leave his plane without wearing an FBI raid jacket. As a result, agents who were already engaged in the aftermath of the incident had to search for a suitable jacket for the director. When two velcro patches were found to be missing from the jacket, two agents reportedly removed their own patches and hurried them over to Patel’s aircraft.
The timing of this report coincides with growing speculation regarding Patel’s future in the position. A report from MSNOW indicated that President Donald Trump is considering replacing him due to increasing frustration with the negative media coverage surrounding Patel. In response to these rumors, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the claims as “fake news,” asserting that the story is “completely made up.”
As the FBI navigates these challenges, the report underscores a critical moment for the agency and its leadership. The findings raise questions about the direction and effectiveness of the Bureau under Patel’s stewardship, highlighting the need for a reassessment of priorities and strategies moving forward.
