Washington D.C. – The recent firing of twelve FBI employees after the disclosure of subpoenas issued to Kash Patel and Susie Wiles during the Biden administration has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising concerns about potential political targeting and the erosion of due process rights within the agency. The subpoenas, issued as part of a federal investigation into then-former President Donald Trump, have come under scrutiny following Patel’s ascension to FBI Director and Wiles’ appointment as White House chief of staff.

More than ten FBI employees were terminated on Wednesday, with two additional terminations following on Friday. The rationale behind the firings remains unclear, with the FBI citing privacy concerns in withholding the names of those affected. The reported subpoenas targeted the phone records of Patel and Wiles while they were private citizens, prompting accusations of overreach and potential abuse of power.

The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) has strongly condemned the firings, alleging that they constitute unlawful termination and violate the due process rights of the agents involved. The FBIAA further argues that the terminations weaken the bureau by stripping away critical expertise and destabilizing the workforce, potentially undermining its ability to effectively protect the nation.

Civil liberties advocates have also expressed concern over the targeting of individuals who were not public officials at the time the subpoenas were issued. They argue that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, chilling free speech and discouraging individuals from engaging in political activity. The timing of the firings, following Patel's appointment as FBI Director, raises further questions about potential political motivations.

The subpoenas were issued during the Biden administration as part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents. While the investigation ultimately led to charges against Trump, the subsequent dismissal of the election interference case after Trump's re-election has fueled accusations of political bias.

Patel, in a statement, described the seizure of his phone records as “outrageous and deeply alarming,” alleging that the previous FBI leadership acted under “flimsy pretexts” and concealed the process to evade oversight. However, critics argue that such claims should be viewed with skepticism, given Patel's close ties to Trump and his potential motivations for undermining the investigation.

The FBI has stated that the information was discovered in a newly discovered “prohibited case file.” The firings highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability within the FBI, as well as stronger safeguards to protect the civil liberties of all citizens. An independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the subpoenas and firings is warranted to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents are not repeated in the future.