New York Post columnist Miranda Devine accused FBI Director Kash Patel of weakening bureau morale and hampering the agency's ability to deter domestic threats. She pointed to recent violent incidents — in Austin, New York, at Old Dominion University and a foiled Michigan synagogue plot — and criticized Patel's high-profile private life and use of bureau resources. Devine also highlighted reported firings from the CI-12 unit tied to the Jack Smith probe and quoted former agents who say a 'culture of fear' has spread through the ranks. The FBI did not respond to requests for comment.
Miranda Devine Slams FBI Director Kash Patel, Saying His 'Flamboyant' Lifestyle And 'Unfocused' Leadership Hurt Bureau Morale
Miranda Devine, a columnist for the New York Post, published a scathing opinion piece accusing FBI Director Kash Patel of undermining morale at the bureau and diminishing its ability to deter domestic threats. Devine cites a string of recent violent incidents and internal personnel moves to argue that Patel's management style and personal conduct have distracted resources and fostered fear among agents.
Recent Attacks Raise Questions About Readiness
Devine catalogued several high-profile incidents to question the FBI's readiness, including the shooting in Austin, Texas; suspects in New York accused of throwing homemade bombs at anti-Muslim demonstrators near Gracie Mansion; a shooting at Old Dominion University; and a planned attack on a Michigan synagogue that was reportedly stopped by local security forces.
Referring to Patel's earlier vow that the bureau would remain vigilant, Devine wrote:
'So much for the FBI being on "high alert." The cascading recent attacks point to a failure of the FBI, the primary agency for "deterring attacks here at home," as Patel boasted.'
Allegations of Mismanagement and Purges
Devine said that many agents who stayed through prior administrations hoping for reform are now demoralized. She highlighted recent dismissals from the CI-12 unit — multiple agents, analysts and support staff were reportedly fired last month in connection with special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into former president Donald Trump — and wrote that those removals have 'sent a chill through the ranks.'
Quoting former and current bureau personnel, Devine said some officials describe a 'culture of fear' that has made employees reluctant to carry out their duties for fear of sudden personnel actions.
Concerns About Private Life, Travel, And Resource Allocation
While acknowledging that Patel faces the challenge of addressing allegations that some officials politicized bureau work against Trump and conservatives, Devine and cited critics argue that Patel's highly visible private life undermines morale. Reports say Patel used the FBI's plane for personal travel to see his country singer girlfriend perform and to travel to Italy, where he was photographed socializing with members of the U.S. Olympic hockey team. The New York Times also reported that Patel requested rotating SWAT teams provide security for his girlfriend's appearances and errands.
A former senior FBI official quoted by Devine warned that bureau resources are limited and often zero-sum: when personnel are redirected away from core national security duties, proactive threat identification and mitigation may suffer.
Response
Devine noted that the FBI did not respond to her request for comment. Patel and the FBI have disputed some reporting in other outlets and have not publicly accepted the characterization of widespread paralysis or failure described in the column.
Context: The piece is an opinion column reflecting Devine's perspective and sources. The allegations and concerns she recounts reference reporting about personnel actions and about Patel's travel and security requests; readers should distinguish between verifiable facts, reported accounts, and the columnist's interpretations.
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