Former FBI Whistleblower Steve Friend Fired Shortly After Reinstatement
In a startling turn of events, Steve Friend, a former FBI agent who gained attention as a COVID-era whistleblower, has been terminated from the Bureau just months after being reinstated under the Trump administration. According to reporting from the New York Post’s Miranda Devine, Friend received a termination letter citing “unprofessional conduct and poor judgment” as the grounds for his dismissal. The FBI has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, only confirming the termination while declining to provide additional details due to the confidential nature of personnel matters.
The dismissal letter reportedly pointed to Friend’s unauthorized media interactions and public commentary on FBI investigations as primary reasons for his termination. Specifically, the Bureau took issue with Friend’s November activities, when he allegedly shared media sources and photographs that identified a subject of interest on his podcast without what the FBI considered “credible, verifiable evidence.” This action appears to have violated Bureau protocols regarding ongoing investigations and public disclosure. Friend’s relationship with the FBI has been tumultuous—he was initially suspended in August 2022, resigned in February 2023, and was reinstated in September of this year, only to be fired again.
When contacted about his termination, Friend characterized it as retaliation orchestrated by FBI Director Kash Patel. This accusation adds another layer to an already complex situation, suggesting internal conflict within the Bureau’s leadership regarding the handling of whistleblowers. Friend’s case has drawn attention from House Republicans, who previously accused the Biden administration’s FBI of retaliating against whistleblowers who exposed misconduct. The timing and circumstances of Friend’s dismissal raise questions about the treatment of those who speak out against perceived wrongdoing within federal law enforcement agencies.
Compounding Friend’s troubles, his legal representation at Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research terminated their professional relationship on December 5, just days before his firing. The nonprofit organization explicitly stated that Friend had ignored their professional advice by continuing to comment publicly on FBI matters, despite warnings that such actions could result in “further adverse administrative action.” Their withdrawal letter made it clear that they were “no longer willing or able to expend further time and resources” representing Friend, suggesting a fundamental disagreement about how to handle his whistleblower status and public profile.
The nonprofit’s decision to drop Friend as a client highlights the delicate balance whistleblowers must maintain. While whistleblowers play a crucial role in government accountability, they must navigate complex legal and professional constraints. Empower Oversight’s letter indicates that they had previously limited their representation to Friend’s reinstatement matter only, expressing concerns about his approach to public commentary on sensitive Bureau matters. The organization’s withdrawal suggests that Friend’s public statements exceeded what they considered prudent legal strategy, potentially undermining his own case.
This situation reflects broader tensions within federal law enforcement agencies regarding whistleblower protections and internal accountability. Former FBI agents have previously alleged that the Bureau uses internal investigations to punish whistleblowers, creating a chilling effect on those who might otherwise report misconduct. Friend’s case—from his initial suspension through his brief reinstatement and subsequent termination—may serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges facing federal employees who choose to speak out. As this story continues to develop, it raises important questions about the balance between agency confidentiality protocols and the public’s right to know about potential misconduct within institutions entrusted with significant power and authority.
