FBI New York head James Dennehy was forced out after urging agents to “dig in” against the Trump administration’s demand for names of January 6 investigators. The 24-year veteran was abruptly told to retire without explanation, highlighting the new administration’s swift purge of officials involved in Trump-related investigations. His removal signals an alarming shift as Trump loyalists take control of the bureau, threatening the independence of federal law enforcement.
FBI’s New York Chief Forced Out After Standing Firm
James Dennehy, who led the FBI’s largest field office since September 2024, was unexpectedly forced to resign on Friday without being given any reason. His removal comes after he encouraged FBI employees to resist political pressure following the Trump administration’s request for names of all agents involved in investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
Dennehy, a former Marine who joined the FBI after 9/11, had urged his colleagues to “dig in” during a period when several senior FBI officials were being removed from their positions. In a farewell email to his staff, he expressed pride in representing “an office of professionals who will always do the right thing for the right reasons; who will always seek the truth while upholding the rule of law.”
Trump Administration Targets January 6 Investigators
The Trump administration has been systematically removing FBI officials who were involved in investigations related to the former president and the January 6 Capitol riot. This purge has created a leadership vacuum at the bureau’s headquarters, with nearly a dozen executives being unexpectedly removed since Trump took office.
🚨🇺🇸FBI WASHINGTON FIELD OFFICE CHIEF FORCED OUT IN TRUMP-LED PURGE
David Sundberg, head of the FBI Washington Field Office, has been removed from his position, marking the highest-ranking field agent ousted in Trump’s sweeping FBI shakeup.
Sundberg oversaw Trump-related… https://t.co/zDkQ1042W5 pic.twitter.com/LSmw3OCdqH
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 31, 2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi allegedly expressed displeasure with Dennehy, claiming the New York office failed to turn over all investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, though no evidence was provided for this accusation. Additionally, the Trump administration recently ordered the dropping of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, leading to resignations of prosecutors and mayoral deputies in protest.
Trump Loyalists Take Control of Justice System
The FBI is now under the leadership of Trump allies Kash Patel as director and Dan Bongino as deputy director, marking a significant departure from tradition. Bongino is the first non-career agent to hold the position of deputy director, raising concerns about the politicization of the bureau.
“Late Friday, I was informed that I needed to put my retirement papers in today, which I just did. I was not given a reason for this decision. Regardless, I apologize to all of you for not being able to fulfill my commitment to you.”
Ed Martin, another Trump loyalist, has been nominated to lead the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, D.C., after demoting several officials involved in January 6 cases. Dennehy’s forced retirement is part of a broader pattern of installing political allies in key positions throughout the justice system, potentially compromising the FBI’s independence and its commitment to the rule of law.
Dennehy had previously praised the federal corruption investigation of New York Mayor Eric Adams and emphasized the importance of holding elected officials accountable. In his final communication with staff, he vowed to continue defending the FBI’s independence from outside the organization, stating: “Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a battle of our own as good people are being walked out of the FBI. And others are being targeted because they did their jobs in accordance with the law and FBI policy.”
Sources:
Top FBI official in New York forced out after resisting Trump purge of agents | FBI | The Guardian
James Dennehy, New York’s Top F.B.I. Agent, Forced Out After Defiant Email
Top FBI official forced out after questioning Trump pursuit of agents who investigated Jan. 6