Kash Patel fires FBI officials linked to Trump documents case, reports say

The Guardian World

by Gabrielle Canon and agencies

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly dismissed at least 10 agency employees linked to an ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents. The move came after it was revealed that the FBI had previously subpoenaed personal records of both Patel and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles before Trump returned to office. This development is tied to a broader federal probe led by former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who is investigating whether Trump mishandled classified materials found at his Florida Mar-a-Lago estate following his first presidential term. The dismissals, reported by CBS News and CNN, raise questions about the FBI's internal processes and how sensitive agency information was handled. Patel’s decision to remove these employees appears to be a significant step in addressing potential lapses within the bureau. The subpoena of personal records of high-ranking officials like Patel and Wiles adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it suggests that even those overseeing investigations could become subjects of scrutiny. This controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between Trump’s legal team and federal authorities over the handling of classified documents. Earlier this year, similar concerns arose when the National Archives discovered hundreds of documents marked "classified" or "restricted" at Mar-a-Lago following Trump’s January 6, 2021, exit from the White House. These events have deepened divisions in U.S. politics and raised concerns about partisanship influencing law enforcement actions. The situation underscores the high-stakes legal and political implications of investigating a former president. As the probe continues, it is likely to shape perceptions of both Trump’s conduct and the integrity of federal investigations. The dismissals and subpoena revelations highlight the challenges of balancing national security with individual

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/26/2026