Two days ago, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, alongside a coalition of 20 other state attorneys general, urged Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley to require Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, to return for further questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The call comes amid alarming reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI and efforts to compile a list of agents involved in investigating the January 6th Capitol riots.
“Enforcing the rule of law should be beyond partisan politics,” said Attorney General Brown in a statement. “If a nominee is politically motivated to fire hardworking civil servants who have spent their careers working to keep our country safe, U.S. Senators deserve to know that before voting to confirm him.”
“The Trump Administration’s threats to federal law enforcement are nothing short of a welcome mat for cybercriminals, terrorists, human traffickers and drug cartels. Anything short of a complete and utter rebuke by Kash Patel of this dangerous purge must be immediately disqualifying,” said California Attorney General Tong.
The letter, sent by the coalition of attorneys general, highlighted troubling reports that more than a dozen high-ranking FBI officials had been fired and that the FBI was compiling a list of agents involved in the January 6th investigations. The group described these actions as part of a broader attempt to purge the FBI, a move they argue could have disastrous consequences for public safety.
“Kash Patel has a long history of defending the January 6th insurrectionists who attacked our Capitol and violently assaulted law enforcement officers,” said New Jersey Attorney General Platkin. “Now, as the Trump Administration tries to install him as FBI Director, they are already purging FBI officials as retribution for rightfully investigating the criminals who tried to interfere in the peaceful transfer of power between administrations. The FBI is a critical partner in my office’s work to stop illegal guns, fight drug trafficking, and much more. New Jerseyans deserve answers from Mr. Patel as to whether he will cripple this agency and undercut our residents’ safety.”
“Congress must ensure that the FBI can do its vital work unencumbered by political pressures or threats of retaliation,” said Nevada AG Ford. “Without these protections, the FBI will be severely diminished in its capacity to ensure public safety. I urge the Senate to treat these discussions seriously and to further question Mr. Patel to ensure the FBI will not become politicized or undermined.”
The letter also raised concerns over reports that the administration was planning to fire at least six more high-ranking career FBI officials if they did not retire, as well as claims that FBI staff had been directed to compile lists of those involved in investigations related to the Capitol riots. “If true, this is a purge of FBI employees,” the letter stated.
The attorneys general expressed their belief that such actions would have severe implications for national security, pointing to the critical role the FBI plays in combating issues like fentanyl trafficking, foreign terrorism, and organized crime. They called on the Senate to thoroughly question Patel on his plans regarding the ongoing FBI purge before any confirmation vote.
The letter also criticized the Trump administration’s broader attacks on law enforcement, including the dismissal of U.S. Attorneys, pardons for rioters who harmed Capitol Police Officers, and efforts to reduce funding for law enforcement agencies across the country.
“We are witnessing a concerted effort to undermine the FBI and public safety,” the letter concluded. “Congress must act to protect Americans and hold the administration accountable.”
“Mr. Patel must return for further questioning before the Senate votes on his confirmation,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Americans are accustomed to feeling generally safe in this country because of the hard work of the men and women at the FBI. As the President continues to prioritize his retaliation campaign over all else, Americans are paying the price. If Mr. Patel makes sweeping, politically motivated cuts at the FBI, it will leave the United States vulnerable to various public safety harms from foreign and domestic terrorism to drug cartels to white-collar crime and more. Public safety is paramount to preserving the American way of life and gutting the FBI may put that way of life in jeopardy.”
“My office has proudly partnered with the FBI to combat theft, fraud, drug and gun trafficking, and other crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of Illinois communities,” said Illinois Attorney General Raoul. “FBI agents risk their personal safety to protect us, and politically-motivated retaliation against them is unacceptable. Firing potentially thousands of agents simply because they worked the cases they were assigned will have a disastrous effect on public safety in Illinois and across the country. Kash Patel must answer questions about these troubling reports before the Senate votes on his confirmation.”
“Our partnership with the FBI has been critical to dismantling some of Michigan’s most dangerous criminal operations, from violent offenders to human trafficking rings, and securing justice for victims,” Michigan Attorney General Nessel said. “This purge of career law enforcement officials within the FBI for doing their jobs isn’t just political retribution. It is a direct threat to the safety of Michiganders. Gutting resources and forcing out experienced agents will weaken our ability to hold criminals accountable and put our communities at risk. Michigan residents deserve answers.”
Attorney General Brown was joined by his counterparts from 19 other states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and others, in sending the letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
