Two groups of FBI agents have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over its decision to scrutinize the agency’s personnel involved in the January 6 Capitol riot investigation, marking the latest escalation in a growing rift between the FBI and the DOJ under the Trump administration.
The lawsuits, filed Monday, aim to prevent the DOJ from releasing the names of FBI agents who were part of the high-profile investigation into the January 6 events. The agents, along with the FBI Agents Association, are concerned that the Justice Department’s move to review its personnel could lead to disciplinary action against agents and place them at risk of retaliation. They argue that public disclosure of this list could expose them and their families to threats, especially from Trump supporters.
This controversy stems from an order issued by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, which directed the FBI to compile a list of all current and former agents involved in the January 6 probe. The list, which includes over 5,000 names, was provided to the DOJ on Tuesday. The memo referenced the need to assess whether additional personnel actions, including firings, should be taken.
Agents working on this and other investigations into Trump and his associates were asked to fill out questionnaires about their involvement. The legal challenge now revolves around the potential public release of personal information, with agents fearing it could lead to harm from supporters of the former president.
In a related memo, acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll condemned the personnel changes, stating that “good people are being walked out of the FBI” due to their involvement in these legal matters, which he says were handled in accordance with FBI policy.
While the Justice Department has not responded directly to the lawsuits, it continues to grapple with criticism of its personnel moves. Recently, key officials, including the heads of several FBI field offices, were either forced to retire or resigned. This personnel purge aligns with President Trump’s campaign promise to “clean house” at the Justice Department, which he has accused of being politically biased against his administration.
As the legal battles unfold, the fate of the FBI’s workforce and its independence in investigating sensitive matters such as the January 6 Capitol riot remains uncertain, with the DOJ’s actions fueling a tense standoff between federal law enforcement and the executive branch.
