Overview: FBI Director Kash Patel has dismissed agent Stephen Friend for "unprofessional conduct and poor judgment," citing public statements that promoted baseless conspiracy theories and a threatening, racially charged podcast rant. The Dec. 5 podcast included language that appeared to threaten Patel, who is Hindu and Indian American. Friend may appeal the firing to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board within 30 days and has continued to defend his remarks on social media.
Kash Patel Fires Far‑Right FBI Agent After Racist, Threatening Podcast Rant
FBI Director Kash Patel has terminated agent Stephen Friend, a far‑right influencer and former ally, following a series of public statements the agency says showed "unprofessional conduct and poor judgment." The dismissal highlights growing tensions inside the bureau as leadership contends with employees who promote conspiracy theories and extreme rhetoric.
Background: Patel, a controversial pick whose nomination was tied to his close alignment with former President Donald Trump and public promotion of MAGA‑linked theories, has faced criticism from within and outside the movement for failing to substantiate those claims. Friend, who was previously suspended during the Biden administration amid reports he sympathized with Jan. 6 participants, recently regained attention among right‑wing circles before his dismissal.
The Dismissal: In a letter delivered last Friday, Patel informed Friend that he was fired "effective immediately" for "unprofessional conduct and poor judgment." The letter cited multiple public statements in which Friend advanced unfounded claims of a government cover‑up related to the individual authorities say was behind two attempted pipe bombings in Washington on Jan. 5, 2021.
FBI Director Kash Patel conducts a news conference on Dec. 4 at the Department of Justice.(CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag)
The termination letter also referenced a Dec. 5 podcast appearance on a show hosted by right‑wing influencer and former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin, where Friend issued a racially loaded and threatening rant that appeared to target Patel personally. On the episode, Friend said:
"You better pray to Gaia, Vishnu or whatever your maker is that RealSteveFriend is never in a position to be an instrument of God’s wrath, because I will be merciful. I’ll allow you to breathe every breath that your body will have for the rest of its natural life inside of a box, and then when it ultimately fades to black, that’s when the real wrath begins."
Patel is Hindu and Indian American, and the letter and subsequent reporting note that he has been the target of attacks from MAGA supporters over his faith and heritage.
Related Players and Legal Notes: Kyle Seraphin, the podcast host, is a former Senate candidate in Utah and is reportedly facing a defamation lawsuit from Patel’s girlfriend after alleging she is a foreign asset aimed at manipulating the FBI director. Patel's termination notice told Friend he may appeal the firing to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board within 30 days. Public social posts indicate Friend has not retracted or apologized for his remarks and continues to defend them online.
Implications: The episode underscores internal frictions at the FBI as leadership navigates personnel who promote conspiracies and inflammatory rhetoric. The firing is likely to deepen debate about discipline, free speech, and political influence within the bureau.
