Top Former Officials Accuse Patel and Bongino of Weaponizing FBI in Scathing Letter

A coalition of former intelligence, diplomatic and national security officials has sharply condemned FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino for recent personnel changes within the agency, accusing current leadership of politicizing the Bureau. 

Calling themselves The Steady State, the group argues that the dismissals of agents Brian Driscoll, Michael Feinberg and Walter Giardina represent a purge aimed at enforcing political loyalty rather than genuine reform.

Composed of former members of the CIA, FBI, State Department, Department of Defense, NSA, DHS and the military, The Steady State highlights decades of bipartisan service under multiple administrations. 

Their open letter to FBI personnel expresses deep concern over what they describe as an erosion of the agency’s long-held independence, now seemingly replaced by an emphasis on political allegiance. 

They warn this shift could undermine the FBI’s constitutional mission as an investigative institution.

The letter focuses on the firings of Driscoll, Feinberg and Giardina as part of a broader campaign. 

Driscoll had previously served as acting FBI director before Patel’s appointment, and Giardina was involved in investigations related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. 

According to The Steady State, these dismissals are linked to perceived disloyalty toward President Donald Trump.

Criticism is also directed personally at Patel and Bongino. 

The group questions their qualifications to lead the Bureau, claiming neither meets the “basic standards” required for such leadership roles. 

Patel’s background includes a pivotal role in ending the Russia collusion investigation during the Trump administration, while Bongino brings decades of experience as a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting U.S. presidents.

Patel’s involvement in dismantling the 2016 election interference probe came amid significant controversy. 

Previously serving as a congressional aide, he argued the investigation lacked conclusive evidence and was politically motivated. Critics warn his rise to FBI Director signals a potential realignment of agency priorities.

In a dismissal letter to Giardina, Patel cited “poor judgment and a lack of impartiality,” accusing the agent of contributing to government politicization, according to The Gateway Pundit. 

The letter also alleges that Trump-era appointees undermined the FBI’s independence, replacing it with political loyalty—a claim that stands in contrast to earlier documented politicization directed against conservatives.

The Steady State underscores the FBI’s historic mission: upholding the rule of law, protecting civil liberties and supplying intelligence to presidents from both parties. 

Drawing on their extensive experience in global operations, counterterrorism and diplomacy, the group stresses the importance of professionalism and integrity in safeguarding national security.

Addressing current FBI agents, The Steady State acknowledges the pressures they face and honors their dedication amid what the group describes as internal unrest. 

The letter warns that transforming the FBI into a “personal enforcement arm of a political figure” threatens democratic norms, likening it to authoritarian regimes demanding loyalty to individuals rather than the law.

Though the group frames its critique as nonpartisan and focused on institutional integrity, the open letter appears amid Patel and Bongino’s campaign to purge what they identify as corrupt, anti-Trump operatives within the Bureau. 

Supporters see these actions as a necessary correction after years of investigations they argue unfairly targeted conservatives.

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