FBI ousts reinstated whistleblower over unauthorized media talks, ‘poor judgment’

FBI

FBI ousts reinstated whistleblower over unauthorized media talks, ‘poor judgment’

Friend allegedly participated in unauthorized media interactions and publicly discussed ongoing FBI investigations

Michael Sinkewicz Fox News

Published

December 13, 2025 7:36pm EST

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A former FBI agent and COVID-era whistleblower who was recently reinstated under President Donald Trump was fired Friday, according to a report.

The FBI dismissed Steve Friend for "unprofessional conduct and poor judgment," according to a copy of the termination letter posted on X by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine. An FBI source confirmed the firing, but would not elaborate, c biting that it is a personnel matter.

The FBI stated in the letter that Friend "participated in unauthorized interactions with the media, publicly disseminated media sources, and commented publicly on FBI matters and ongoing FBI investigations."

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Whistleblowers and former FBI special agents Garret O'Boyle and Steve Friend testified before Congress, Thursday, May 18th. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Friend was first suspended by the FBI in August 2022 and resigned in February of 2023. He was reinstated last September.

In the letter, the FBI stated that in November, Friend "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."

When reached for comment by Fox News Digital, Friend said his ouster was retaliation by FBI Director Kash Patel and that it had to do with criticism over the bureau's recent arrest in the January 6, 2021 pipe bomb case.

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The FBI headquarters and seal are seen in Washington, D.C. Photos by Getty Images.

Steve Friend, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent and COVID-era whistleblower who was recently reinstated was fired Friday, according to a report. (Getty Images/Fox News Digital)

Friend’s dismissal from the Bureau came after his attorneys at Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research dropped him as a client on Dec. 5.

The non-profit organization said in a letter to Friend that he had ignored its advice by commenting publicly on FBI matters, "risking further adverse administrative action" by the Bureau.

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The FBI fired whistleblower Steve Friend on Dec 12, according to a report. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP )

"In light of your apparent unwillingness to follow the free professional advice we have given you, we are even more convinced that our previously expressed inability to represent you regarding any legal matters other than your reinstatement was warranted," the non-profit wrote. " We are no longer willing or able to expend further time and resources representing your interests or providing counsel moving forward."

Michael Sinkewicz is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.sinkewicz@fox.com

FBI ousts reinstated whistleblower over unauthorized media talks, ‘poor judgment’