New report reveals FBI under Kash Patel paralyzed by internal fear

A recent 115-page report, compiled by a coalition of retired and active FBI agents and analysts, paints a grim picture of the bureaus leadership under Director Kash Patel. Leaked to the New York Post, the assessment, intended for congressional Senate and House judiciary committees, relies on confidential information from 24 FBI sources.

According to the report, Patel is considered inexperienced for his role, and the agency is described as chronically under-performing with morale at an all-time low. Managers reportedly hesitate to take initiative without direct orders, fearing dismissal. Sources describe Patels first six months as producing a troubling picture, with the FBI functioning like a rudderless ship. Two independent sources labeled him as in over his head, citing insufficient knowledge of the bureaus complex operations.

The report alleges that the FBI has become internally paralyzed by fear, with leadership overly cautious and dependent on Patels guidance. This stems partly from Patels prior statements before his nomination, when he accused the FBI of being part of a deep state conspiracy and proposed major structural changes, including relocating the bureaus headquarters.

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended Patel, stating, FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the Presidents team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.

The report comes amid ongoing controversies. Prior to his February 2025 confirmation, nearly 60 civil rights groups urged the Senate to reject Patels nomination, citing lack of experience and other concerns. Since taking office, Patel has faced criticism over withholding certain files and prematurely announcing arrests that had to be retracted. His past roles include serving as a House intelligence staffer and deputy director of national intelligence during the Trump administration. He has also authored pro-Trump childrens books and appeared frequently in right-wing media.

One incident highlighted in the report involves Patels handling of the Kirk investigation in Utah. Sources describe agents being forced to halt operations to accommodate Patels insistence on a specific type of jacket, resulting in delays and a confrontational episode with senior personnel.

Deputy Director Dan Bongino also received criticism, with sources describing an excessive focus on social media updates over formal communication channels. Bongino, lacking traditional FBI experience, was reportedly granted exemptions from standard procedures.

Other examples of internal tension include Patels reaction to discussions among Quantico personnel about his firearm request, which led to polygraph orders deemed needlessly punitive by a senior FBI leader.

Not all feedback was negative. Some sources praised Patels rollback of diversity initiatives, strengthened immigration enforcement, and improved prosecutorial support. However, critics argue that deeper reforms are still needed. Concerns were also noted from allied countries about potential long-term effects on international cooperation.

The anonymous authors emphasized that the report was not meant as a hit piece, but acknowledged that 80% of the accounts were critical. They advised Patel and Bongino to consider the feedback carefully. The White House has denied reports suggesting Patel may be removed, and congressional judiciary committees will receive a copy of the assessment this week.

Author: Sophia Brooks