The FBI denied accusations from Republicans that it has purged conservative employees from its ranks under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who is poised to become chairman of the House Judiciary Committee when Republicans take control of the chamber on Jan. 3, sent several letters to the FBI alleging the agency removed critics of Biden and his administration from their posts. Jill Tyson, the FBI’s assistant director of its Office of Congressional Affairs, responded to Jordan’s accusations with a letter of her own.
“The FBI has strong procedures in place to promote accountability when an FBI employee strays from their obligations — including employee actions that create the appearance of political, social, or other bias. The FBI takes all allegations of misconduct very seriously, and that includes taking seriously our responsibility to FBI employees who make protected disclosures under the whistleblower regulations,” wrote Jill Tyson.
“It is important to emphasize that allegations against one or a very small number of employees do not reflect a widespread political bias or a lack of objectivity by the FBI’s 38,000 employees who perform their jobs objectively, rigorously, and with professionalism,” she wrote. “Nor do such allegations fairly call into question the FBI’s motivations and actions to fulfill its mission, which reflects the collective judgment and effort of our workforce.”
Jordan has requested that Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and other high-ranking Biden administration officials voluntarily testify before the committee.