Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees are reportedly anxious about potential large-scale layoffs following President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
Concerns are mounting that Trump, with Republican control of both the Senate and House, will move quickly to overhaul federal agencies, particularly the FBI, where Director Christopher Wray and other top officials are rumored to be on the chopping block.
According to the Washington Times, several sources within the FBI have expressed worry about job security and potential restructuring under the new administration.
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One source noted that Wray, who succeeded James Comey, might leave his position rather than wait for a dismissal. “It’s a countdown for Wray because [people here] don’t think he will stay to get fired after what Trump did to Comey,” said an insider.
Trump has criticized Wray’s leadership, particularly over issues related to the handling of January 6th cases and the bureau’s alleged role in concealing sensitive information.
Beyond the director, employees at FBI headquarters are also reportedly bracing for significant changes. “Others on the 7th floor of the FBI are so concerned about their own jobs that they are likely to flood the Washington, D.C., private security job market,” according to the report, indicating a pervasive sense of job insecurity.
The source added that many employees expect Trump to enact a “bloodbath” of dismissals and restructuring within the bureau.
Another notable concern centers around Elon Musk, whom Trump has suggested as a possible leader for a government efficiency audit.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to establish a commission to cut waste across federal agencies, and Musk, known for his business efficiency measures, was floated as a potential head of this effort.
An FBI insider remarked that this audit could drastically reduce staffing at headquarters, where waste and inefficiency are reportedly prevalent. “When he tries to do efficiency at headquarters, the place is going to have five people … if he’s talking about a lot of dead weight,” said the source, suggesting that a streamlined workforce might result in fewer employees.
FBI afraid of @ElonMusk DOGE:
“When he tries to do efficiency at headquarters, the place is going to have five people … if he’s talking about a lot of dead weight,” a second FBI source said.
“Try to find a person that’s actually working,” the source said. “That may be the… https://t.co/Fry1LKLEDu
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) November 8, 2024
Trump’s campaign platform included a commitment to reducing the federal bureaucracy, which he described as “bloated” and inefficient.
His plans also proposed requiring all federal employees to pass a Civil Service exam demonstrating knowledge of the U.S. Constitution—a measure aimed at ensuring that employees align with the foundational principles of government.
Many believe this requirement could further reduce staffing, particularly in agencies criticized for overreach or partisanship.
The FBI has faced considerable scrutiny over its handling of cases related to the January 6th Capitol incident, with over 1,265 individuals charged in connection with the events.
The report suggests that some FBI employees, frustrated with their involvement in January 6th investigations, speculated that Trump might pardon individuals involved in these cases.
The anxieties extend beyond the FBI. Federal employees in other agencies, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are also reportedly worried about potential cuts.
Reports indicate that some EPA employees have put off major purchases, such as new cars or home improvements, over concerns about job security.
Trump has publicly discussed targeting waste in departments like the EPA, as part of broader efforts to eliminate what he views as unnecessary government spending.
Trump’s proposed initiatives mark a stark contrast to the approach of the Biden-Harris administration, which has been accused by critics of using the Justice Department and other agencies for partisan purposes.
With Trump’s inauguration set for January 20th, these agencies are preparing for potential sweeping reforms that could redefine federal employment policies and streamline government functions.
Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the Deep State.
1. “Immediately reissue my 2020 executive order, restoring the President’s authority to remove rogue bureaucrats.”
2. “Clean out all of the corrupt actors in our national security and intelligence apparatus.”
3. “Totally reform… pic.twitter.com/Xhg297uWCe
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
As federal agencies brace for Trump’s return to office, both the FBI and other government departments are likely to see significant shifts in policy, personnel, and operations.
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It is called de-leeching the government.
De-lousing.
I figure that a lot of the personnel will attempt to somehow make themselves seem crucial to whatever agencies employ them to avoid being let go. Or, possibly, working behind the scenes to stop the Trump administration from doing anything. Can’t see them just letting their jobs disappear. Just sayin’.
I would highly recommend that they flee the country.
“You can run, but you can’t hide” was the FBI’s saying. The corrupt and compromised FBI members are about to find that out.
The IRS also needs to lay off 87,000 armed agents we didn’t need to thanks to Kevin McCarthy I am so glad he quit.
With no severance packages or retirement pay.
Exactly. Treason and corruption should never be rewarded.
I am glad somebody is going to do it and DJT is up to the job. A corrupt federal law enforcement agency is a danger to everyone.
Get rid of wray, nobody voted his incompetent self in office. Also Garland need to get ready to be prosecuted.
The FBI needs to be completely shut down and clean house from top to bottom Wray needs to go first he is a liar he has lied to Congress and the Senate .The FBI is nothing but the dem/communist gestapo.