A group of former intelligence and national security officials, known as The Steady State, has issued a stern rebuke to the current FBI leadership for what they claim is the politicization of the agency. The controversy centers on FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino's recent decision to dismiss several agents, including Brian Driscoll, Michael Feinberg, and Walter Giardina. The group asserts that these actions are not about genuine reform but enforcing political loyalty.
The Steady State comprises veterans from the CIA, FBI, State Department, Department of Defense, NSA, DHS, and the military, with a collective history of service under multiple presidents from both major political parties. Their open letter to FBI personnel warns of an erosion of the Bureau's long-standing independence, fearing a shift towards political allegiance over impartiality.
The open letter zeroes in on the dismissals of Driscoll, Feinberg, and Giardina as indicative of a broader campaign of purging dissent within the agency. Driscoll had previously served as acting FBI director, and Giardina was involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol attack. The Steady State suggests these firings are retribution for perceived disloyalty to former President Donald Trump.
The group's concerns extend to Patel and Bongino's qualifications to lead the FBI. Patel played a key role in closing the Russia collusion investigation during Trump's administration, while Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, has protected U.S. presidents. Critics contend that Patel's past actions and Bongino's direct appointment signal a realignment of FBI priorities that could undermine its constitutional mission.
In a dismissal letter obtained by The Gateway Pundit, Patel justified Giardina's firing by citing "poor judgment and a lack of impartiality," framing it as an effort to depoliticize the government. This narrative contrasts with prior accusations of the Bureau being politicized against conservatives.
The Steady State emphasizes the FBI's foundational mission: to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and provide intelligence to presidents irrespective of party. Drawing from their collective experience in counterterrorism and global operations, they stress the imperative of professionalism and integrity in national security roles.
Addressing current FBI agents, the letter recognizes the pressures they face and commends their dedication in the face of internal turmoil. The Steady State concludes with a stark warning that repurposing the FBI into a personal enforcement arm for political figures not only threatens democratic norms but also mirrors the authoritarian demands of loyalty to individuals rather than to the law.
The open letter from The Steady State emerges amidst a campaign by Patel and Bongino to eliminate what they consider corrupt agents opposed to Trump. Supporters of Patel and Bongino see these moves as corrective actions necessary after years of biased investigations against conservatives.
An update on the situation reveals further concerns about the integrity of the FBI. An open letter, described as "nonpartisan," cautions that efforts by Trump, Patel, and others to purge the agencies could be subverting the Constitution.
