Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Sep 11: In a major development that could deepen political controversy in the United States, three former senior officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have filed a lawsuit against its current director Kash Patel and the federal government, alleging they were unlawfully terminated for investigating President Donald Trump.

The officials — Brian Driscoll Jr, Steven Jensen, and Spencer Evans — have sought reinstatement, back pay, and a declaration that their firings were illegal. All three had decades of service with the bureau and held key positions, including Driscoll, who briefly served as acting FBI director after Trump’s inauguration.

According to the complaint, Patel allegedly conveyed to Driscoll that he had “orders from the White House” to dismiss agents linked to probes against Trump. “The FBI tried to put the president in jail, and he hasn’t forgotten it,” Patel is quoted as saying in the filing.

The lawsuit further alleges that Emil Bove, a former Justice Department official and close Trump ally, pressed Driscoll to prepare a list of agents involved in the January 6 Capitol riot investigation. When Driscoll refused, citing risks to national security and FBI protocol, Bove reportedly insisted they would be referred to the Justice Department for misconduct review.

Dan Bongino, serving as deputy director of the FBI, was also accused of attempting to pressure Jensen into firing an agent who had worked on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and on the arrest of Trump ally Peter Navarro. Jensen declined, citing employment protections.

The complaint describes the firings as politically motivated retaliation. “Driscoll, Jensen, and Evans were the targets of defendants’ retribution for their refusals to politicize the FBI,” it says.

In their statements, the former officials expressed concern over growing political interference in the bureau. “The American people deserve an FBI made up of professionals who can serve righteously and confidently, with no fear of wrongful termination,” Driscoll remarked.

The FBI Agents Association also issued a statement supporting the lawsuit, noting that FBI employees have fewer career protections than many other federal workers.

The case has drawn national attention as it highlights the continuing debate over political influence in America’s premier law enforcement agency.