Fired FBI agents sue Kash Patel to get jobs back

Axios · 10/15/2026, 8:17:31 PM

Nine former FBI agents and intelligence personnel sued the Trump administration Thursday, alleging they were unlawfully fired for working on the investigation into President Trump's handling of classified documents . Why it matters: The agents' bid to regain their jobs adds to a growing number of legal challenges accusing the Trump administration of retaliating against FBI personnel who investigated the president. Driving the news: "Plaintiffs were unlawfully terminated not for any cause or any legitimate reason, but only to satisfy the President's personal vendetta," the 70-page lawsuit says. "As a result of their unlawful and hasty firings, Plaintiffs' investigations were not properly transferred to other FBI Special Agents or Analysts. The impact of these heedless actions on America's national security is immeasurable." All nine plaintiffs are seeking their jobs back. FBI Director Kash Patel , Attorney General Todd Blanche and their agencies are named as defendants. The other side: Patel said in February termination letters that the employees had "exercised poor judgment and a lack of impartiality in carrying out duties, leading to the political weaponization of the government," according to the lawsuit. When reached for comment, the FBI referred Axios to a Friday post on X that said "[t]his FBI has helped deliver the most prolific reduction in violent crime in U.S. history. Who wants to join the mission?" Zoom in: The lawsuit disputes Patel's accusations, saying none of the plaintiffs had any history of "misconduct or poor behavior while employed with the FBI." None had been internally investigated for wrongdoing, nor were they given the opportunity to explain or appeal their terminations. The lawsuit alleges the firings bypassed FBI policy requiring an administrative inquiry before disciplinary action. The complaint also notes that "[i]n many instances, Plaintiffs' immediate supervisors expressed disbelief and regret that Plaintiffs' FBI careers had been ended.