Liberals raged at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on Friday for firing an agent in training who had displayed a Pride flag on his desk in 2024.
Patel signed off on a letter informing the trainee that he displayed an improper political message in the workplace while on assignment in California, CNN first reported. Left-wing outlets, journalists and social media users were up in arms over the firing, accusing Patel of spreading “fear” and discriminating against LGBT activists.
CNN, MSNBC and The Daily Beast made sure to point out that the trainee had received “multiple awards” for service throughout his career, including an Attorney General’s Award in 2022.
“This week, @FBI director Kash Patel fired an FBI agent trainee based on him once having a gay pride flag on his desk,” MSNBC senior investigative correspondent Carol Leonnig wrote on X. “Trainee won an Attorney General’s award in 2022 for his service as a FBI staffer. Fear spreading in the field.”
“Only the weakest men are afraid of flags.” The Tennessee Holler wrote. “Pettiest, cancel mob on the planet.”
“More bigoted political correctness and censorship from the Trump administration,” attorney Drew M. Capuder said.
Businessman Spencer Hakimian suggested that Patel violated the First Amendment over the firing.
Patel told the trainee that he exercised “poor judgment” with an “inappropriate display” on his desk.
“After reviewing the facts and circumstances and considering your probationary status, I have determined that you exercised poor judgment with an inappropriate display of political signage in your work area during your previous assignment in the Los Angeles Field Office,” Patel wrote, according to CNN.
President Donald Trump’s administration signed an executive order in January to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in government agencies and return to merit-based hiring practices. Under Patel’s leadership, the FBI has taken strides to ensure that agents do not engage in political practices, such as informing agents and directors in June that they were not to hold Pride Month celebrations during work hours.
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