FBI Fires Reinstated Whistleblower Steve Friend Over Unauthorized Media Engagements
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Steve Friend, a former FBI agent known for his whistleblowing during the COVID-19 pandemic, was terminated from the bureau on December 12, 2025, after engaging in unauthorized interactions with the media and publicly discussing ongoing FBI investigations. Friend’s dismissal comes only months after his reinstatement under the Trump administration, marking a dramatic turn in his contentious relationship with the agency.
According to a termination letter obtained by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine and confirmed by FBI sources, Friend was fired for “unprofessional conduct and poor judgment.” The letter details that Friend “participated in unauthorized interactions with the media, publicly disseminated media sources, and commented publicly on FBI matters and ongoing FBI investigations.”
Friend’s troubles with the bureau date back to August 2022, when he was first suspended and subsequently resigned in February 2023. His reinstatement in September was seen by some as a vindication amid accusations that the FBI had retaliated against him for whistleblowing.
However, the FBI’s letter highlights a specific incident in November 2025, when Friend reportedly “disseminated media sources and photographs identifying an alleged subject and discussed the alleged subject on your podcast, despite the lack of credible, verifiable evidence necessary to publicly identify the subject.” This breach of protocol was cited as a key factor in his termination.
Friend has publicly claimed that his firing represents retaliation by FBI Director Kash Patel, who took the helm of the bureau during the Trump administration. The bureau, however, declined to comment beyond confirming the personnel action.
Adding to the complexity of Friend’s situation, his legal representatives at Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research officially dropped him as a client on December 5. The nonprofit organization stated in a letter that Friend had repeatedly ignored their advice against making public comments on FBI matters, thereby risking further administrative consequences. The letter emphasized, “We are no longer willing or able to expend further time and resources representing your interests or providing counsel moving forward.”
Steve Friend is not the only whistleblower to face scrutiny and alleged retaliation within the FBI. Other former agents, such as Garret O’Boyle, have testified before Congress about internal investigations being used to punish whistleblowers who exposed misconduct. Friend and O’Boyle both appeared before the House Judiciary Committee in May 2025, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the bureau.
The FBI’s handling of whistleblowers has drawn attention from lawmakers and watchdog groups alike. The Department of Justice oversees the FBI and has protocols in place to protect whistleblowers, but critics argue enforcement has been inconsistent.
Friend’s case also underscores ongoing tensions between the FBI and media outlets regarding the disclosure of sensitive information. The bureau’s strict guidelines prohibit agents from unauthorized public commentary, especially on active investigations, to maintain operational integrity and protect privacy.
As the FBI continues to navigate these internal challenges, the broader debate over whistleblower protections and agency transparency remains a pivotal issue. For more information on federal whistleblower protections, visit the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Details about FBI policies and personnel actions can be found on the official FBI website.
Steve Friend’s dismissal marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding whistleblowers in federal law enforcement, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency, loyalty, and operational security within one of the nation’s most critical agencies.
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