The Justice Department under President Donald Trump has obtained internal FBI records detailing the extent of the Bureau’s involvement in January 6-related investigations.

The FBI disclosed information on thousands of employees involved in these probes, a move that has sparked concern within the agency.

The release of these records comes amid increasing scrutiny over the FBI’s handling of January 6 cases.

Republican lawmakers have repeatedly criticized the agency for what they claim are politically motivated prosecutions while allegedly overlooking potential involvement from federal informants and left-wing agitators.

According to CNN, the records provided to the Justice Department include the details of over 5,000 FBI employees, including their ID numbers, job titles, and roles in investigating the events of January 6, 2021.

5,000 FBI agents to investigate misdemeanor trespass. This is a total disgrace. It’s hard to see why the FBI should continue to exist at all. pic.twitter.com/0khG1FvKz8

— Cernovich (@Cernovich) February 4, 2025

The FBI currently has a total workforce of about 38,000 employees, including more than 13,000 agents.

HOLY SHIIIT. The FBI just revealed that 5,000 out of their 13,000 agents were focused on January 6th protestors.

39% of the entire bureau, for this: pic.twitter.com/12ToM6I7CL

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 4, 2025

A memo titled “Terminations,” sent on Friday by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, set a deadline for the FBI to submit personnel details by Tuesday at noon, sources told the outlet.

Bove previously ordered the removal of eight senior FBI officials who oversaw key divisions such as cyber, national security, and criminal investigations.

Adding to the shakeup, officials appointed by Elon Musk were seen at FBI headquarters on Tuesday.

BREAKING: DOGE officials have been spotted at FBI headquarters. pic.twitter.com/DgHyvZ7y2k

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 4, 2025

Musk has been leading initiatives for Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is aimed at overhauling federal agencies.

In response to the disclosures, multiple FBI employees have filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department, claiming the administration violated the Constitution and privacy laws by compelling agents to complete a survey about their involvement in the January 6 investigations.

The lawsuit argues that these efforts amount to an attempt to “purge” Bureau staff based on their work under the previous administration.

“The very act of compiling lists of persons who worked on matters that upset Donald Trump is retaliatory in nature, intended to intimidate FBI agents and other personnel, and to discourage them from reporting any future malfeasance by Donald Trump and his agents,” the lawsuit states.

The FBI had recently distributed a questionnaire to thousands of employees regarding their roles in January 6 cases, further fueling concerns among Bureau personnel about potential dismissals.

Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, has publicly addressed concerns about political retribution, stating during his Senate confirmation hearing that no agent would face consequences for assignments they were given.

Patel, a former senior Trump administration official, has indicated that his leadership would focus on restoring trust in the Bureau while ensuring accountability.

Kash Patel: The public trust can only be restored if there is FULL TRANSPARENCY, and I am committed to that full transparency.” ⁦@Kash_Patel⁩ #ConfirmKash! pic.twitter.com/NbHMYpO69O

— NanLee Marie Carissimi (@NanLee1124) February 2, 2025

Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove has introduced a new review process for FBI personnel, a move that follows the recent dismissals of senior officials.

The memorandum outlining these changes has drawn renewed attention to the Justice Department’s internal policies.

Tensions within the Bureau have escalated following Trump’s sweeping pardons of individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol breach.

In the days after the pardons, more than a dozen officials involved in criminal cases related to Trump were dismissed, adding to internal turmoil at the FBI.

As FBI employees weigh their legal options, uncertainty looms over potential further personnel changes.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sean Parnell. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.