Kash Patel Fires 10 FBI Staffers Involved In Trump Classified Documents Probe

Forbes Business

by Siladitya Ray, Forbes Staff

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel has taken a significant step in his ongoing efforts to overhaul the agency by firing at least 10 staffers involved in the investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents. This move follows earlier dismissals targeting federal officials who were part of probes against Trump during the Biden administration. Patel’s actions have drawn criticism, with some questioning their legality and impact on the FBI’s operations. According to reports, the firings are part of an internal investigation into the classified documents case, which has already seen multiple dismissals under Patel's leadership. The New York Times confirmed the layoffs and noted that more could follow. Notably, Patel himself had his phone records subpoenaed by the FBI in 2022 and 2023 as part of the probe, a practice he described as "outrageous" and an overreach during a recent interview with Reuters. The FBI Agents Association has condemned these firings, stating they violate due process rights and undermine the bureau’s stability. The association warned that such actions could weaken the agency's ability to recruit and retain skilled professionals, ultimately putting national security at risk. Meanwhile, former Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led charges against Trump in both the classified documents case and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, testified before Congress that his team adhered to Justice Department policies and legal requirements. Smith’s testimony also highlighted concerns about potential reprisals from the Trump DOJ, which he believes may seek to indict him for pursuing prosecutions against Trump. This tension underscores broader political divisions over how justice is administered in high-profile cases involving former presidents. The situation raises questions about the independence of federal investigations and their implications for future prosecutions. For businesses and investors, these developments underscore the ongoing political tensions between the Biden and Trump administrations and their potential impact on regulatory oversight. As the Justice Department’s actions continue to unfold, there are growing concerns about how such decisions could influence business environments, particularly in industries reliant on government contracts or subject to extensive regulation. The situation also highlights the challenges of maintaining impartiality in high-stakes political and legal scenarios, which can have ripple effects across multiple sectors.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/26/2026