The News
Kash Patel, the newly confirmed FBI Director under President Donald Trump, has moved to relocate roughly 1,500 FBI agents and staff out of Washington, D.C., as one of his first actions in office.
Patel informed senior FBI officials on Friday – the same day he was sworn in – that about 1,000 employees will be reassigned to field offices across the country, with another 500 sent to a large FBI site in Huntsville, Alabama.
This decision aligns with Patel’s long-promised vision of decentralizing the bureau by shrinking its Washington presence and placing more agents in regional communities to combat violent crime.
Timeline
Nov. 2024: Trump Nominates Patel
- After winning re-election, President Trump swiftly names Kash Patel as his choice for FBI Director, signaling his intention to “restructure” the agency.
Dec. 11, 2024: Wray Resigns
- FBI Director Christopher Wray announces he will resign after President-elect Trump signals plans to replace him with Kash Patel.
Jan. 20, 2025:
- Donald Trump is inaugurated as President and his new administration begins a broad shake-up at the Justice Department, with dozens of senior FBI and DOJ officials forced out or resigning within the first month.
Feb. 14, 2025: Committee Advances Nomination
- The Senate Judiciary Committee votes 12–10 along party lines to advance Patel’s nomination as FBI Director.
Feb. 20, 2025: Senate Confirms Patel
- The Senate narrowly confirms Patel as FBI Director in a 51–49 vote, with two Republicans (Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski) joining all Democrats in opposing him.
- Patel, a former White House aide and Trump loyalist, is set to become the FBI’s ninth director, succeeding Christopher Wray who served under President Biden.
Feb. 21, 2025: Relocation Orders Issued
- Patel is formally sworn in at a White House ceremony and immediately directs FBI leadership to implement his relocation plan, ordering 1,500 personnel out of the Washington headquarters and into field assignments across the country.
- FBI officials convey the orders to staff in a Friday meeting, emphasizing Patel’s mandate to refocus agents on street crime and “put this promise into action,” according to an FBI statement.
Reactions
Kash Patel: “For too long, the FBI has been weaponized from DC. This move ensures agents are closer to the communities they serve.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley welcomed Patel’s leadership and called this reorganization “long overdue” for a bureau he believes is too centralized.
Sen. Dick Durbin condemned the relocation as “politically motivated” and warned it could undermine key national security operations.
What’s next
Patel’s order to redistribute 1,500 FBI personnel is expected to be the first step in a broader overhaul of bureau operations under the Trump administration.
In the coming weeks, the FBI will face the logistical challenge of relocating agents and staff while ensuring continuity for sensitive investigations.
