FBI Director Patel Fires Agents Tied to Mar-a-Lago Search

Dismissals come as Patel says his phone records were obtained during Biden administration

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:48am

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FBI Director Kash Patel has fired at least six agents tied to the 2022 search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, according to multiple sources. The dismissals come as Patel says federal authorities obtained his phone records during the Biden administration in connection with investigations into Trump.

Why it matters

The firings represent the latest fallout from the high-profile investigations into Trump, which have become a politically charged issue. The revelation that Patel's phone records were obtained also raises questions about the scope and motivations behind the probes during the previous administration.

The details

Patel, a Trump appointee, has directed the FBI to dismiss at least six agents involved in the Mar-a-Lago search, with sources indicating up to 10 employees total have been let go, ranging from support staff to agents and supervisors. Trump had faced federal charges related to his handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, but those cases were ultimately dismissed.

  • On February 26, 2026, Patel announced the FBI firings.
  • Patel said federal authorities obtained his phone records during the Biden administration in connection with the Trump investigations.

The players

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director who ordered the dismissal of at least six agents tied to the Mar-a-Lago search.

Donald Trump

The former president who had his Mar-a-Lago estate searched by the FBI in 2022, leading to federal charges that were later dismissed.

Susie Wiles

The current White House Chief of Staff, whose phone records were also obtained by federal authorities during the Biden administration's investigations into Trump.

Jack Smith

The former special counsel who moved to drop the election case against Trump when he won a second term in 2024.

David Sundberg

An FBI official fired early in the Trump administration who recently announced a run for a House seat.

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What they’re saying

“It is outrageous and deeply alarming that the previous FBI leadership secretly subpoenaed my own phone records — along with those of now White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles — using flimsy pretexts and burying the entire process in prohibited case files designed to evade all oversight.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.