The Trump administration is reportedly compiling a list of FBI agents and officials across the country who could be dismissed or pressured to resign in the coming days, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The move appears to target those involved in past investigations into former President Donald Trump, as well as officials perceived as resistant to the administration’s new policies.

A Targeted Purge

Sources indicate that administration officials are focusing on individuals linked to former special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and his role in the January 6th Capitol attack. Additionally, officials are reviewing FBI personnel for any perceived unwillingness to implement new directives.

Firings could begin as early as Friday, with a finalized list expected by Monday. The potential dismissals include heads of numerous field offices nationwide, with sources suggesting that scores of agents from the Washington, D.C., field office alone could be affected.

The FBI declined to comment on personnel matters, with spokespersons across field offices instructed to remain silent on the issue.

Kash Patel Under Scrutiny

Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, faced intense questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing about whether he would protect FBI agents from political retribution. Patel assured the committee that all employees would be held to the same standard and that terminations would not be politically motivated.

However, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) expressed concerns, stating that Patel’s assurances contradicted the administration’s apparent actions. “If true, these outrageous actions are fundamentally at odds with law enforcement principles and could severely weaken the Bureau’s ability to protect the country,” the FBIAA said in a statement.

Prosecutors Also Dismissed

In a parallel move, roughly 40 prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, many of whom worked on January 6 cases, were dismissed by acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin. The prosecutors, hired for permanent positions after temporary assignments, were still in their probationary period, making them vulnerable to dismissal under Justice Department policies.

Trump Responds

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump appeared to endorse the shake-up within the Justice Department. “If they fired some people over there, that’s a good thing because they were very bad,” he stated. “They weaponized the Justice Department to go after political opponents, which is illegal.” He denied directly ordering any firings but reiterated his longstanding grievances against federal law enforcement agencies.

Historical Comparisons: Echoes of Nixon and Bush Purges

The current situation bears striking similarities to past political purges of law enforcement and prosecutorial officials:

1. Nixon’s Saturday Night Massacre (1973) – Amid the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox. Both refused and resigned, leaving Solicitor General Robert Bork to carry out the order. The move was widely seen as an abuse of power and accelerated Nixon’s downfall.

2. George W. Bush’s U.S. Attorney Firings (2006) – The Bush administration dismissed seven U.S. attorneys, citing performance issues. However, investigations revealed that the firings were politically motivated, targeting prosecutors who refused to pursue voter fraud cases favorable to Republicans or who had investigated corruption involving GOP officials. The scandal led to resignations within the Justice Department and cast a shadow over Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ tenure.

3. Trump’s Own History of Targeting Law Enforcement (2018-2020) – During his first term, Trump frequently attacked the FBI and Justice Department, firing or forcing out officials involved in the Russia investigation, including FBI Director James Comey, Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, and multiple inspectors general. His administration also pressured Attorney General William Barr to intervene in politically sensitive cases, including those of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn.

Potential Consequences

Critics argue that the mass firings within the FBI could weaken national security efforts, particularly at a time of heightened threats. Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called the move “deeply alarming,” warning that it could leave the country vulnerable to terrorism, espionage, and other threats.

Whether these dismissals lead to further legal battles or political fallout remains to be seen. However, history suggests that politically motivated purges of law enforcement agencies often backfire, raising concerns about the long-term stability of federal investigative bodies in a politically charged environment.