The head of the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) is cautiously optimistic about the new U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's potential to bring stability to the Department of Justice (DOJ) following a tumultuous period since President Donald Trump assumed office.
FBIAA president and CEO Nicole Campa expressed eagerness to see if Bondi would fulfill her promise to end political weaponization at the FBI and the Justice Department. Campa highlighted the recent firings and forced departures of personnel, as well as a questionnaire requiring agents to detail their involvement in the Jan. 6 investigation, as sources of concern among agents.
Specifically, Campa noted Bondi's commitment to refrain from targeting Trump opponents or creating 'enemies lists,' which she reiterated during her confirmation hearing. Campa expressed optimism about Bondi's statements but also raised concerns about the potential compilation and release of agents' names.
FBIAA, representing over 14,000 active and retired FBI special agents, joined nine anonymous FBI employees in a lawsuit against the Justice Department to prevent the disclosure of agents' identities involved in the Jan. 6 investigation, citing fears of internal repercussions and threats to their safety.
Justice Department acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove sought to allay agents' fears by clarifying that the questionnaire aimed to review agents' roles in the Jan. 6 investigation and not to initiate mass terminations.
Campa emphasized the need for clarity regarding the questionnaire's purpose, especially in light of recent terminations and ultimatums faced by department officials. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of decades of agency experience if a mass purge were to occur.
Highlighting the extensive process of hiring and training FBI agents, Campa underscored the irreplaceable nature of experienced agents and the detrimental impact of their sudden departure.
The FBIAA president expressed hope that the identities of FBI agents would remain confidential and that the appointment of permanent leadership at DOJ and FBI would help address the controversy surrounding the Jan. 6 investigations.
Campa welcomed a review of the agents' work but stressed the importance of conducting it thoroughly and fairly to uphold the integrity of the bureau's operations.
