According to multiple news reports, FBI Director Kash Patel fired an agent trainee on the first day of the most recent government shutdown after the trainee displayed a Pride flag at their desk during a previous assignment. The dismissal letter, signed by Patel, cited the trainee’s “poor judgment” and an “inappropriate display of political signage in your work area” as the reasons for termination. The trainee, who was a decorated, longtime FBI employee and a former diversity program coordinator, was dismissed while undergoing new agent training. The action has generated significant controversy and criticism from various groups and lawmakers.
