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Politics · October 15, 2026

Fired FBI Agents Who Worked on Trump Investigation Sue Patel and Others

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Nine former FBI employees have filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the Department of Justice, alleging they were unlawfully terminated in February 2026. The plaintiffs, who include special agents and analysts, claim their firing was a 'political retribution' for their work on the investigation into President Trump's retention of classified documents (codenamed 'Plasmic Echo'). The lawsuit asserts that Patel bypassed standard disciplinary procedures, citing Article II executive powers, and falsely accused the employees of 'weaponizing' the FBI. The legal team for the plaintiffs seeks reinstatement and back pay, characterizing the firings as an attack on the rule of law.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Nine former FBI employees filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington D.C.
  • The defendants include FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • The employees were fired in February 2026.
  • The plaintiffs worked on the 'Plasmic Echo' investigation regarding Donald Trump's classified documents.
  • Kash Patel cited 'Article II' and allegations of 'weaponization' as grounds for the terminations.
  • The lawsuit claims the employees were denied due process, notice, or the opportunity to appeal.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The lawsuit alleges the firings occurred shortly after Patel faced criticism for his behavior at the Winter Olympics in Milan.
  • Agent Miles Starr, a member of Patel’s advisory team, allegedly requested urgent access to the 'Plasmic Echo' files 48 hours before the firings.
  • The nine plaintiffs were part of teams that investigated the Boston Marathon bombing and the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, PA.
  • Former Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly stated the administration had 'cleaned house' at the FBI.
  • The lawsuit claims the hasty firings left sensitive counterintelligence investigations without proper transfers, impacting national security.

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