FBI agent Steve Friend, a whistleblower reinstated under the Trump administration, was dismissed for “unprofessional conduct” after unauthorized media interactions, raising concerns over retaliation within the bureau.
Steve Friend, a former FBI agent and whistleblower who gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, was fired from the bureau on Friday. His dismissal comes just months after he was reinstated under the Trump administration.
According to a termination letter shared by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on X, the FBI cited “unprofessional conduct and poor judgment” as the reasons for Friend’s firing. An FBI source confirmed the dismissal but declined to provide further details, labeling it a personnel matter.
The termination letter outlined specific actions that led to Friend’s dismissal, including his participation in unauthorized interactions with the media. The FBI noted that he publicly disseminated media sources and made comments regarding ongoing investigations, which violated bureau protocols.
Friend’s troubles with the FBI began in August 2022 when he was suspended. He subsequently resigned in February 2023 but was reinstated in September of the same year. The recent firing has raised alarms among some lawmakers, with House Republicans accusing the Biden administration’s FBI of retaliating against Friend for exposing alleged misconduct within the bureau.
In the termination letter, the FBI highlighted an incident from November in which Friend allegedly disseminated media sources and photographs identifying an alleged subject. He reportedly discussed this subject on his podcast without credible evidence to support the claims.
When contacted for comment by Fox News Digital, Friend suggested that his dismissal was a form of retaliation orchestrated by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Friend’s legal representation faced challenges as well. His attorneys at Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research withdrew from representing him on December 5, citing his failure to heed their advice regarding public comments on FBI matters. The nonprofit organization expressed concern that his actions could lead to further adverse administrative action from the bureau.
In a letter to Friend, Empower Oversight stated, “In light of your apparent unwillingness to follow the free professional advice we have given you, we are even more convinced that our previously expressed inability to represent you regarding any legal matters other than your reinstatement was warranted.” They concluded that they could no longer allocate time and resources to his case.
Friend’s situation has sparked discussions about the treatment of whistleblowers within the FBI and the broader implications for transparency and accountability in federal agencies. As the fallout from his dismissal continues, many are left questioning the agency’s commitment to protecting those who speak out against misconduct.
According to Fox News, the circumstances surrounding Friend’s firing highlight ongoing tensions within the FBI regarding whistleblower protections and the agency’s internal culture.