Former FBI Agents Sue Patel, Bondi Over Alleged Political Firings

Lawsuit claims agents were terminated without due process for political reasons.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A detailed, realistic painting of an FBI badge or emblem in warm, muted tones, with dramatic lighting and shadows creating a somber, contemplative mood.The lawsuit alleges a troubling pattern of political retaliation against FBI agents who investigated the former president.Washington Today

Three former FBI agents have filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and their departments, alleging they were fired for political reasons after investigating President Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The suit seeks class-action status to include over 50 other FBI employees who have been terminated since Trump took office.

Why it matters

The lawsuit raises concerns about potential political interference in federal law enforcement and the rule of law, as the agents claim they were fired without due process based on perceived political biases.

The details

The three agents - Jamie Garman, Blaire Toleman, and Michelle Ball - served on an FBI public corruption squad that investigated Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election. After Special Counsel Jack Smith took over the investigation, the agents were fired last fall. They are now suing Patel and Bondi, alleging their terminations were politically motivated and violated their rights.

  • The three agents were fired last fall.
  • Patel took control of the FBI in February 2025.

The players

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director, appointed by President Trump in 2025.

Pam Bondi

The current Attorney General, appointed by President Trump in 2025.

Jamie Garman

One of the three former FBI agents who filed the lawsuit.

Blaire Toleman

One of the three former FBI agents who filed the lawsuit.

Michelle Ball

One of the three former FBI agents who filed the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Our removal from federal service — without due process and based on a false perception of political bias — is a profound injustice that raises serious concerns about political interference in federal law enforcement. We bring this lawsuit to protect the rule of law and to allow our former colleagues to do their jobs without fear of retaliation.”

— Jamie Garman, Blaire Toleman, and Michelle Ball, Former FBI Agents

“There isn't a single man or woman with a gun, federal agent, still in that organization that had anything to do with the prosecution of President Trump.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General

What’s next

A federal judge will have to decide if the case can be certified as a class-action lawsuit, which would allow it to include more than 50 other FBI employees who have been fired since Trump took office.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights growing concerns about potential political interference in federal law enforcement, as the agents claim they were terminated without due process based on their perceived political affiliations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the independence and integrity of the FBI.