Following recent turmoil at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) is approaching the tenure of new Attorney General Pam Bondi with cautious optimism. FBIAA President Natalie Bara expressed hope that Bondi will fulfill her promise to depoliticize the FBI and DOJ, potentially alleviating the pressure agents have experienced due to recent dismissals, forced departures, and a questionnaire regarding their involvement in the January 6th investigation.

Bara highlighted Bondi's commitment to avoiding targeting political opponents or pursuing so-called "enemies lists," pledges she reiterated during her confirmation hearings.

While optimistic about Bondi's statements, Bara acknowledged lingering anxieties surrounding the compilation of lists related to the January 6th investigation and the potential release of agents' names. The FBIAA, representing over 14,000 active and retired FBI special agents, recently joined nine anonymous FBI employees in a lawsuit against the DOJ. The lawsuit aims to prevent the release of records identifying agents involved in the January 6th investigation, citing concerns about internal repercussions, retaliation, and threats against agents and their families.

Recent events, including dismissals at the DOJ, forced resignations and retirements within the FBI, and the distribution of a detailed questionnaire about the January 6th investigation, have caused considerable unease among DOJ and FBI personnel. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove sought to address these concerns, clarifying that the questionnaire's purpose was solely to assess agents' roles in the investigation and not to initiate a large-scale expulsion of employees.

Bara reiterated these concerns, noting the lack of clarity regarding the intended use of the information gathered through the DOJ's request, beyond a general statement about personnel actions. This ambiguity has generated significant apprehension, particularly in light of recent terminations of assistant U.S. attorneys involved in the investigation and ultimatums presented to senior FBI leadership regarding retirement or termination.

Former department officials have echoed these concerns, expressing worry that a widespread purge of employees could jeopardize the vast institutional knowledge accumulated across the bureau's numerous field offices, covering areas from counterterrorism and violent crime to drug trafficking and cartel activity.

Bara emphasized the extensive process involved in recruiting and training FBI agents, highlighting the lengthy background checks, security clearances, and training at Quantico. Replacing agents lost through retirement or any form of mass dismissal would require years, if not decades, to rebuild the lost expertise.

Bara expressed hope that the identities of FBI agents will remain confidential and that the appointment of permanent leadership at the DOJ and FBI will bring resolution to the current controversy. She emphasized that FBI agents support a review of their work on the January 6th investigation but stressed the importance of a thorough and impartial process.