Ex-FBI agents assigned to Trump cases sue Kash Patel over 'unlawful' firings

Two former FBI special agents who say they played minimal roles in the investigation that led to criminal charges against President Donald Trump have filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging their “unlawful” firings violate the U.S.

Two former FBI special agents who say they played minimal roles in the investigation that led to criminal charges against President Donald Trump have filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging their “unlawful” firings violate the U.S. Constitution.

Patel has routinely fired FBI special agents who were tied to investigations into Trump. The most recent round of firings happened last month, shortly after Patel appeared in viral locker room videos drinking beer and celebrating with the U.S. men’s hockey team following its victory over Canada during the Winter Olympics in Italy. Trump conveyed his displeasure with Patel, NBC News reported.

The FBI declined to comment on the pending litigation. Patel has broadly said that those who were fired were weaponizing law enforcement.

In a termination letter for one of the agents, the FBI said that the agent had “exercised poor judgment and a lack of impartiality in carrying out duties, leading to the political weaponization of the government,” according to the lawsuit.

"Arctic Frost" was the code name given to the probe into the alleged criminal conspiracy to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss. It was opened in early 2022, and was overseen by former special counsel Jack Smith after his appointment that year. Trump was indicted on four charges in August 2023.