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2w ago

FBI Director Kash Patel Faces Backlash Over Key Promotion

Steven J. Jensen’s appointment to lead the Washington Field Office draws sharp criticism from Trump allies and Jan. 6 defendants, highlighting internal FBI rifts.

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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Kash Patel, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), arrives to testify during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Steven J. Jensen, formerly the chief of the FBI’s Domestic Terrorism Operations Section, has been promoted to assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office by FBI Director Kash Patel.
  • The promotion has angered Trump supporters, including Jan. 6 rioters, who view Jensen as hostile due to his role in the Capitol riot investigations.
  • Critics, including former FBI agents, have labeled Jensen a hardliner, citing past inflammatory remarks about pursuing Jan. 6 suspects as ‘terrorists.’
  • Right-wing figures and conspiracy-driven outlets initially dismissed the appointment as ‘fake news’ before confirming its validity, fueling further distrust.
  • The controversy underscores tensions within the FBI and among Trump loyalists, with some accusing Patel of betraying their expectations of loyalty.