FBI agents driven out under Trump assault form support network: ‘I’m still a human’ | FBI
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-11 05:00:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump Gloats Over Robert Mueller’s Death as FBI Veterans Warn of Bureau’s Systematic Undermining
Donald Trump’s reaction to the death of former FBI director Robert Mueller has sparked outrage among current and former members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as the agency faces what many describe as an “unprecedented assault” on its institutional integrity under Trump’s leadership.
Upon Mueller’s death at age 81 in March, Trump posted on social media that he was “glad he is dead,” referencing Mueller’s role as special counsel in the investigation into whether Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 presidential election. This public display of gloating over the passing of a longtime public servant underscores the deep animosity Trump has directed at the FBI and its leadership.
Since Trump returned to office in January last year and installed Kash Patel—a loyalist and harsh FBI critic—as director, the bureau has experienced a wave of departures. According to the FBI’s own figures, up to 2,800 agents have left since January 2025, with many being senior leaders. The Office of Personnel Management cites a lower figure of 1,100 agents departing in the first year of the administration, but both numbers represent a significant loss of experience and leadership.
Kayla Staph, a former FBI cyber-crime investigator and member of the newly formed FBI Support Network, described the situation as a “calculated effort at dismantlement aimed at undermining the rule of law.” She and other alumni say agents have suffered “moral injuries” from being pressured to violate their values, and that the bureau’s workforce has been systematically undermined by Trump’s drive to turn the FBI into an instrument of retribution.
The network, which includes former acting director Brian Driscoll, was created to support agents and analysts who have been fired, driven out, or forced to resign. Driscoll was dismissed after trying to protect agents targeted for their involvement in previous investigations of Trump, including the January 6 insurrection.
Steven Cash, executive director of the Steady State, likened the official drive to reshape U.S. security services to the tactics of historically notorious agencies like the KGB and Stasi. He said, “The fact that former FBI people need a support group tells you the devastating impact of the president’s policies and Kash Patel’s policies.”
Trump’s open hostility toward the FBI, exemplified by his remarks about Mueller, has not only demoralized the bureau’s workforce but also raised alarms about the future of American law enforcement and democracy. As former and current agents organize to defend the FBI’s legacy and mission, the agency’s ability to resist political interference remains a critical question for the nation.
Conclusion
Trump’s disparagement of Robert Mueller and the broader campaign against the FBI’s leadership and values have triggered a crisis within the bureau. The exodus of experienced agents and the formation of support networks highlight the profound impact of Trump’s actions on one of America’s most storied institutions, raising urgent concerns about the politicization of law enforcement and the rule of law.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/11/fbi-agents-trump