The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has terminated the employment of Steve Friend, an agent known for his conservative whistleblower status, following his statements during a podcast episode that were perceived as a threat to FBI Director Kash Patel. This incident occurred on Saturday after Friend's appearance on The Kyle Seraphin Show earlier in the month.
Friend, who had been previously suspended and then reinstated during President Donald Trump's administration, initiated a fervent discourse on the show, promoting a conspiracy theory linked to the investigation of the January 6 pipe bomb incident. His comments invoked "God's wrath" towards a senior official he accused of leading a federal cover-up. He went on to say, “You better pray to Gaia or Vishnu or whatever your maker is, that real Steve Friend is never in a position to be an instrument of God’s wrath. I will be merciful. I won’t give you a trial and a hanging.” While he did not directly mention Director Patel by name, insiders stated that the bureau widely interpreted the comments as directed at him.
The situation escalated rapidly, with Friend being summoned to the Jacksonville field office in person, where his dismissal was promptly executed. The termination resonates as a significant development, particularly given Friend's previous national recognition. He gained attention after alleging that under former FBI Director Christopher Wray, he was marginalized for voicing concerns about the Jan. 6 investigation's scope and the targeting of Americans, which he argued inflated domestic extremism statistics.
His vocal stance earned him support within conservative circles, including from Director Patel, who had previously advocated for whistleblowers and criticized the so-called deep state. Friend's reinstatement in October 2023 followed a settlement that awarded him back pay, although he had not fully resumed his duties at the time of his termination.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Friend was dropped by his legal team, Empower Oversight, on the same day as his podcast remarks, following their warnings that public statements could lead to adverse consequences. Nevertheless, Friend continued to make unauthorized public appearances, spreading unsubstantiated claims, including allegations against Patel related to the pipe bomb case.
The FBI's policy prohibits employees from making public declarations that could be considered threatening or inflammatory, especially if they pertain to bureau operations. This policy, as noted by sources including the New York Post, was central to the decision to terminate Friend's employment. Director Patel, who had once backed Friend's whistleblower claims, reportedly had a shift in perspective after reviewing internal personnel records and becoming concerned about Friend's conduct.
The bureau has not publicly commented on the specific reasons for Friend's dismissal, citing a longstanding policy on personnel matters. The event marks a stark decline for Friend, who was once a prominent figure in post-Jan. 6 whistleblower narratives. It also highlights a growing schism within conservative factions, juxtaposing efforts for institutional reform against a backdrop of conspiracy-laden discourse.
