FBI under Kash Patel has become 'internally paralyzed by fear', new report reveals [View all]
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/01/fbi-kash-patel-leaked-report
Leaked assessment based on confidential accounts from 24 FBI sources describes organization as a rudderless ship
The FBI director, Kash Patel, is in over his head and leading a chronically under-performing agency paralyzed by fear and plummeting morale, according to a scathing 115-page report compiled by a national alliance of retired and active-duty FBI special agents and analysts.
The leaked assessment, obtained by the New York Post and prepared for both congressional Senate and House judiciary committees, is based on confidential accounts from 24 FBI sources.
They accuse Patel of lacking the experience to lead the FBI and that managers will not take initiative without explicit direction for fear of being fired. Patels first six months have produced a troubling picture of an organization described by insiders as a rudderless ship, with two sources independently characterizing the director as being in over his head. One stated he lacks the requisite knowledge or deep understanding of all the FBIs unique and complex investigative and intelligence programs.
One key accusation is that the FBI has become internally paralyzed by fear. Managers are afraid of losing their jobs, and waiting on directions from the FBI director rather than taking initiative, according to multiple sources.
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