Recent reporting confirms that three senior FBI officials—Brian J. Driscoll Jr., Steven Jensen, and Spencer L. Evans—have filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination by the Trump administration. According to the lawsuit, these firings occurred in a broader campaign of retribution against officials perceived as insufficiently loyal. The complaint claims the White House and DOJ instructed FBI leadership to remove agents involved in investigations related to Donald Trump.

Driscoll, Jensen, and Evans allege they held distinguished roles: Driscoll briefly acted as the FBI’s acting director; Jensen was head of the Washington Field Office; and Evans led the Las Vegas Field Office. The lawsuit states Driscoll resisted an order from higher-ups to compile lists of agents who had worked on the January 6 investigation. Patel is named as a defendant, along with the FBI, DOJ, and other government entities; the lawsuit seeks reinstatement, back pay, and a legal declaration that the firings were unlawful.

The officials claim their dismissals have harmed the operational competence of the FBI and undermined morale among career staff. The FBI Agents Association has expressed concern about due process and protections for agents in such personnel actions.