A leaked 115-page report compiled by a coalition of retired and active FBI special agents and analysts alleges that FBI Director Kash Patel is 'in over his head' and that the bureau has become 'internally paralysed by fear'. The document, obtained by the New York Post and prepared for congressional judiciary committees, draws on confidential accounts from 24 FBI sources.
The assessment paints a picture of an organisation described as a 'rudderless ship', with managers afraid to take initiative without explicit direction for fear of being fired. One source stated that Patel 'lacks the requisite knowledge or deep understanding of all the FBI's unique and complex investigative and intelligence programs'. The report notes that this paralysis stems partly from Patel's pre-nomination rhetoric, when he accused the FBI of being part of a 'deep state' conspiracy against Donald Trump.
Specific incidents cited include Patel refusing to leave an FBI jet in Provo, Utah, on 11 September without an appropriate raid jacket, causing agents to halt work on the investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A source described a 'tirade' by Patel over perceived blunders, which later prompted Deputy Director Dan Bongino to apologise. Bongino, who lacks traditional FBI experience and was granted a waiver from standard polygraph screening, is described by one source as 'something of a clown'.
The report also criticises what it describes as an excessive focus on social media by leadership, with employees learning more about the bureau's mission from social media posts than official internal channels. Patel has faced prior controversies, including criticism for refusing to release Jeffrey Epstein files and prematurely announcing an arrest in the Kirk investigation that had to be retracted.
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said: 'President Trump has assembled the most talented and impressive administration in history... FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the President's team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.'
