Advocacy groups representing FBI agents have urged Congress to intervene against potential mass firings of agents involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack investigation and other probes criticized by former President Donald Trump.
In a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders, the groups warned that Trump-appointed Justice Department officials were endangering the careers of thousands of FBI agents. Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both chambers, have shown little interest in pushing back.
A senior Justice Department official appointed by Trump directed the FBI to list employees involved in the Capitol attack probe. On Sunday, FBI staff were ordered to complete a questionnaire detailing their roles.
“We urge you to work with President Trump to prevent personnel actions that undermine our shared goal of keeping the FBI out of politics,” the letter stated. It was signed by the FBI Agents Association, which represents 14,000 current and former agents, along with other law enforcement groups.
The directive has sparked concerns that the administration, which has already removed Justice Department prosecutors and senior FBI officials, may target agents from the Capitol riot probe. The Justice Department has not commented but has previously justified personnel moves as aligning with Trump’s agenda.
Meanwhile, Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, led by Senator Dick Durbin, have demanded records on the removal of career officials. They suspect the firings aim to obstruct investigations into national security and public corruption while serving as political retribution against Trump’s perceived opponents.
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