Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz’ report suggests that FBI Whistleblower colleagues were questioned about his support for former President Donald Trump and his stance on the Covid-19 vaccine. 

The report indicates that these employees, including the whistleblower, had their top-secret security clearances revoked in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The DOJ OIG inquiry found that the FBI had inappropriately retaliated against whistleblowers when it suggested they should quit their job, illegally withheld pay, and suspended their security clearances. 

Represented by a non-governmental and nonprofit organization Empower Oversight, the whistleblower's case was highlighted in a May 2024 letter.  President Tristan Leavitt claims that Leavitt disclosed that the organization had obtained a set of "pre-printed" questions presented to the whistleblower's colleagues.

The Clearance Investigations Unit's questionnaire sought to determine whether the whistleblower had ever "vocalized support for President Trump," "vocalized objection to Covid-19 vaccination," "vocalized intent to attend January 6, 2021," or "attended the Richmond Lobby Day event on January 18, 2021." 

Colleagues were informed they had a "duty to reply" to these questions fully and truthfully, under the threat of potential action against their security clearance or disciplinary referral to the Inspection Division.

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FBI Whistleblower

The whistleblower was described as holding "right-wing views" or "strong Republican values" that were not extreme and emphasized that he had never implied he would engage in violence.

The whistleblower, who served in the FBI for 12 years and received commendations for his performance, had his security clearance suspended and was placed on unpaid leave in March 2022 during an internal investigation.

 He had taken personal leave to attend the "Save America" rally on January 6, 2021, and disclosed this to an FBI security official. He did not enter the Capitol grounds and offered to take a polygraph test, which indicated no deception.

Following the suspension of his clearance, the whistleblower made protected disclosures to the House Judiciary Committee, alleging politicization and abuse of the security process by the FBI. In April 2023, FBI Executive Assistant Director Jennifer Leigh Moore revoked his clearance. The whistleblower has since retired, but Empower Oversight is appealing the decision due to its impact on his future employment.

Political Bias

Leavitt asserted that the Security Division's actions demonstrated political bias and abuse of the security clearance process to purge the FBI of employees with disfavored political views or vaccine concerns.

He contended that this amounted to guilt by association, noting that the Supreme Court has ruled against terminating federal employees for political views.

In response, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate defended the bureau's actions in a June 2023 letter, stating that those questioning the FBI's response to January 6 should find different employment.

Empower Oversight's appeal continues as they seek accountability and justice for the whistleblower and potentially other affected employees.

The FBI wasn’t the only federal law enforcement agency implicated, with Horowitz citing similar failures at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).