3 FBI Agents Fired After Investigating Trump File Class Action Suit

Lawsuit alleges 'retribution campaign' by FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:58am

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Three former FBI agents have filed a class action lawsuit after being fired for their involvement in the investigation into former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The agents, who had between 8 and 14 years of 'exemplary and unblemished' service, claim they were illegally punished in a 'retribution campaign' by FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Why it matters

The lawsuit adds to the growing number of court challenges against a wave of personnel changes at the FBI under Patel's leadership, which has resulted in the ouster of dozens of agents perceived as insufficiently loyal to Trump's agenda. The case could have broader implications if granted class action status, potentially allowing other fired agents to regain their jobs.

The details

The three agents - Michelle Ball, Jamie Garman, and Blaire Toleman - were fired last October and November after working on the investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in a 2023 indictment from Special Counsel Jack Smith. The lawsuit alleges the firings were part of a 'retribution campaign' and that the agents were removed without due process or a chance to respond.

  • The agents were fired in October and November 2025.
  • The investigation they worked on led to a 2023 indictment of Trump by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
  • Sen. Chuck Grassley released documents related to the election investigation in 2025, angering Trump allies.

The players

Michelle Ball

One of three former FBI agents who filed the class action lawsuit after being fired.

Jamie Garman

One of three former FBI agents who filed the class action lawsuit after being fired.

Blaire Toleman

One of three former FBI agents who filed the class action lawsuit after being fired.

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director who is accused of orchestrating the firings of the agents.

Pam Bondi

The current Attorney General who is accused of being involved in the 'retribution campaign' against the agents.

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What they’re saying

“Serving the American people as FBI agents was the highest honor of our lives. We took an oath to uphold the Constitution, followed the facts wherever they led, and never compromised our integrity. 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.”

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

“This lawsuit seeks to reaffirm fundamental constitutional protections for FBI employees, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear or favor. We all benefit when law enforcement officers' only loyalty is to facts and the truth.”

— Dan Eisenberg, Lawyer for the Agents

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks to have the agents reinstated to their positions and a court declaration affirming their rights were violated. If granted class action status, the case could allow dozens of other fired agents to potentially regain their jobs.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns about political interference in federal law enforcement, with allegations that the FBI Director and Attorney General have abused their positions to target agents involved in investigations related to the former president. It raises questions about the ability of federal law enforcement to operate independently and without fear of retaliation.