FBI whistleblower claims agency unfairly suspended security clearance for agents with conservative beliefs
An FBI whistleblower has come forward with alarming allegations against the bureau, claiming that security clearances were suspended for agents with “conservative views” in violation of federal laws.
The whistleblower’s complaint reveals that high-ranking FBI officials manipulated clearance investigations and adjudications, overriding decisions made by lower-level staff and even dictating the wording of documents in the process. This resulted in the unfair suspension of security clearances, leaving agents in financial distress without pay and stuck in limbo for years.
The whistleblower, identified as Leavitt, emphasized that the FBI should not be a place where executives mold the agency to their liking. Leavitt called on Congress to independently verify the claims, hold Director Wray and other responsible officials accountable, and enact legislation to prevent such abuse in the future.
In a separate letter, the whistleblower requested an investigation into the improper transfer and subsequent indefinite suspension without pay of a client by the FBI. This action was believed to be retaliation for protected disclosures by the client, a supervisory special agent who exposed the unjust suspension and revocation of other employees’ security clearances by the Security Division.
The complaint accused Security Division leaders Dena Perkins and Jeffrey Veltri of bias against political conservatives, suggesting that certain beliefs or political affiliations were viewed as security concerns within the Division. Despite discussions focusing on issues like support for former President Trump or vaccine hesitancy, these factors were often left out of official suspension and revocation notices sent to employees.
One notable case involved Staff Operations Specialist Marcus Allen, who questioned FBI Director Chris Wray’s testimony to Congress and expressed reluctance to comply with the FBI’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Even though Security Division staff did not find sufficient grounds to suspend Allen’s clearance, division leadership still proceeded to suspend it on the basis of disloyalty to the United States.
Furthermore, the whistleblower outlined how Security Division leaders rushed to revoke the clearances of Allen and another special agent, Steve Friend, prior to their testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. Despite these actions, steps were taken to reinstate Allen’s clearance after a complaint was filed with the Department of Justice’s Inspector General.
The complaint also highlighted instances of retaliation against employees who spoke out against the improper suspension of clearances, indicating a pattern of abuse within the Security Division. Despite efforts by Congress to investigate such abuses, the whistleblower raised concerns about the lack of accountability for officials involved and questioned Director Wray’s handling of the situation.
In light of these disturbing revelations, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the systemic issues within the FBI’s Security Division and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. The integrity of the agency and the safety of its employees depend on swift and decisive measures to rectify these violations of trust and ensure accountability at all levels.
