Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2026 — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has terminated at least 10 employees, including special agents and support staff, who were involved in the high-profile investigation into President Donald Trump's retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The dismissals, which occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, mark the latest development in an ongoing personnel shake-up under newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel, a longtime ally of President Trump.
Multiple credible news outlets, including the Associated Press (AP), CNN, CBS News, The New York Times, and NBC News, confirmed the firings through sources familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal personnel actions. Reports consistently cite a figure of at least 10 employees dismissed, with some specifying that all were directly tied to the probe led by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The investigation centered on Trump's alleged mishandling of classified records after leaving the White House in January 2021, culminating in a dramatic FBI search of Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 that recovered over 100 classified documents, including materials marked as top secret.
The case resulted in federal charges against Trump for willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Trump pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The prosecution was ultimately dismissed in July 2024 by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, who ruled that Special Counsel Jack Smith's appointment was unlawful. Following Trump's reelection victory in November 2024, Smith dropped related appeals and resigned, consistent with Department of Justice policy that a sitting president cannot be indicted.
The firings are part of a broader purge of FBI personnel perceived as having participated in investigations targeting Trump or not aligning with the current administration's priorities. Director Patel, confirmed in his role earlier in 2026, has overseen similar actions affecting dozens of employees linked to Trump-related probes, including aspects of the January 6, 2021, Capitol events and the 2020 election interference inquiry. Sources indicate the latest terminations followed revelations that the FBI subpoenaed phone records of Patel and current White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles during the 2022–2023 phase of the documents probe, when both were private citizens. Patel publicly criticized the subpoenas as improper and buried in restricted files to evade oversight.
The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA), which represents rank-and-file agents, issued a strong condemnation of the moves. In a statement, the association described the terminations as "unlawful" and argued they "weaken the Bureau by stripping away critical expertise and destabilizing the workforce, undermining trust in leadership and jeopardizing the Bureau's ability to meet its recruitment goals—ultimately putting the nation at greater risk." The group highlighted concerns over due process violations and the potential loss of institutional knowledge in national security matters.
The classified documents probe originated from concerns raised by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) about missing presidential records. After voluntary efforts to retrieve materials failed, a grand jury subpoena was issued, leading to the August 2022 search. The retrieved documents included information on nuclear programs and defense capabilities, prompting serious national security concerns according to prosecutors at the time. The investigation involved coordination between the FBI's Washington Field Office and Justice Department officials under Smith's oversight.
These dismissals occur amid a turbulent period for the FBI, with Patel vowing to reform what he has called a politicized agency. Earlier actions have included reassignments and terminations related to other Trump investigations. Critics, including former officials and civil liberties advocates, view the firings as retaliatory and a threat to the independence of law enforcement. Supporters argue they address perceived biases and restore accountability.
The FBI did not immediately comment on the specific personnel actions, consistent with its policy on internal matters. No official statements from the White House or President Trump were reported in connection with the Wednesday firings, though the developments align with broader administration efforts to overhaul federal agencies.
As the dust settles, the episode raises questions about the long-term impact on FBI morale, expertise in handling classified information cases, and public trust in the bureau. With additional dismissals reportedly under consideration, the personnel changes could continue to shape the agency's direction in the months ahead.
