Overview

• Brian Auten, an FBI analyst named in Director Kash Patel's 2023 book listing alleged 'deep state' actors, has been placed on administrative leave.
• Patel's book, 'Government Gangsters,' includes a list of roughly 60 individuals he criticizes for their roles in past investigative decisions, though he disputes it is an 'enemies list.'
• Auten was previously disciplined for his involvement in errors during the Russia investigation and his role in reviewing Hunter Biden's laptop information.
• Patel had pledged during his confirmation hearing that there would be no politicization or retaliatory actions within the FBI under his leadership.
• The suspension has reignited debates over the FBI's adherence to impartiality and accountability, as well as concerns about potential retributive actions under Patel's tenure.