A new 115-page report paints FBI Director Kash Patel as “in over his head," heading a “chronically under-performing” agency hampered by fear and declining morale, according to a national alliance of retired and active-duty FBI special agents and analysts.

Leaked to the New York Post, the assessment, prepared for the Senate and House judiciary committees, relies on confidential accounts from 24 FBI sources.

The report criticizes Patel’s leadership, claiming managers hesitate to act without explicit instructions due to fear of termination. Patel’s first six months are described as producing a “troubling picture” of an organization insiders call a “rudderless ship", with two sources independently stating the director is “in over his head” and “lacks the requisite knowledge or deep understanding of all the FBI’s unique and complex investigative and intelligence programs.”

Sources contend the FBI is “internally paralyzed by fear”, with managers “afraid of losing their jobs” and “waiting on directions from the FBI director” rather than taking initiative.

Patel's 'deep state' comments fuel FBI paralysis

The report links this paralysis to Patel’s pre-nomination comments, accusing the FBI of being part of a “deep state” conspiracy against Trump. He had called for a radical restructuring of the bureau, including closing its Washington headquarters and dispersing employees nationwide, and accused the FBI of political bias in investigations involving Trump.

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended Patel, stating, “President Trump has assembled the most talented and impressive administration in history and they are doing an excellent job carrying out the President’s agenda. FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the President’s team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.”

Patel’s tenure has already drawn controversy. Before his February 2025 confirmation, nearly 60 civil rights organizations urged the Senate to reject his nomination, citing his lack of experience, foreign ties, and allegedly misleading statements. Since assuming office, he has faced criticism over his handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and a premature arrest announcement in the Kirk investigation that was later retracted.

Patel throws a fit over a jacket

The report also details an incident on September 11, following conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, when Patel arrived in Provo, Utah, but reportedly refused to leave the FBI jet without a properly sized raid jacket.

According to a “highly respected” source, agents paused the Kirk investigation to find a medium-sized jacket, which Patel rejected over missing Velcro patches and refused to disembark until SWAT team members modified the jacket. The source confirmed media reports that Patel “yelled” at the special agent-in-charge and launched an “expletive-laden tirade” over perceived mistakes in the case. Dan Bongino, deputy director, later called to apologize, stating the incident “never should have happened.”

The report further highlights apprehensions expressed by countries closely aligned with the United States, with sources indicating that law enforcement and intelligence agencies from allied nations are concerned that the Trump administration’s actions could potentially undermine international cooperation and have lasting negative effects on collaborative efforts across borders.

The anonymous authors, who requested confidentiality to safeguard their positions, told the New York Post that their assessment “was never intended to be a hit piece” while noting that the anecdotal accounts from FBI personnel were largely negative, and they concluded by recommending that Patel and Bongino take the criticisms seriously.