FBI Analyst Targeted in New Book Placed on Leave
An FBI analyst, Brian Auten, has been placed on leave after his name appeared on a list of alleged “deep state” actors in a book authored by FBI Director Kash Patel. This development was first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to NBC News. The reasons behind the decision to place Auten on leave remain unclear, as the FBI has yet to provide an official comment on the matter.
A Controversial Inclusion
Brian Auten, a Russia expert within the FBI, was one of the employees singled out for potential internal disciplinary action by former FBI Director Christopher Wray in connection with errors made during the 2017 investigation into possible ties between then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and the Russian government. Despite being recommended for discipline, a subsequent review by the Justice Department’s inspector general found no indication of political bias among FBI personnel involved in the Russia investigation.
Patel’s Accusations
In his 2023 book titled “Government Gangsters,” FBI Director Kash Patel named Auten among roughly 60 individuals he deemed as part of the “deep state.” Patel specifically called out Auten by name, expressing his disbelief that Auten had not been terminated from the FBI and prosecuted for his alleged involvement in what Patel referred to as the “Russia Gate conspiracy.” Additionally, Patel accused Auten of downplaying information discovered on a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden.
Denials and Disputes
Despite the controversial nature of the list included in his book, Patel has rejected claims that it serves as an enemies list. Notably, Patel himself has ties to the 2017 investigation into potential collusion between President Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russian officials. During Trump’s initial term, Patel worked alongside then-Rep. Devin Nunes on the GOP-led House Intelligence Committee, where he authored a memo criticizing the FBI’s handling of surveillance warrants related to Carter Page, a former Trump campaign adviser. Patel later transitioned to a role within the White House National Security Council.
Targeting of FBI Officials
The decision to place Auten on leave underscores a broader trend of the Trump administration singling out FBI personnel involved in high-profile investigations. In the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, officials who played a role in prosecuting Trump supporters or those linked to the incident have faced increased scrutiny. Earlier this year, the Trump administration ousted six senior FBI executives and numerous field office heads across the country, citing their involvement in the Jan. 6 prosecutions. In March, the head of the FBI’s New York field office was also forced out after encouraging employees to stand firm following the earlier dismissals.
Expert Perspectives
Ken Dilanian, NBC News’ justice and intelligence correspondent in Washington, brings a unique insight into the implications of these recent developments. Alexandra Marquez, a seasoned politics reporter for NBC News, further highlights the broader political context surrounding the targeting of FBI officials under the Trump administration.
As the controversy surrounding Brian Auten’s placement on leave continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement within the FBI. The decision to take action against Auten underscores the ongoing tensions within the bureau and the broader implications of politicizing high-stakes investigations. With expert analysis and firsthand reporting, the evolving story of Auten’s situation sheds light on the complex dynamics at play within one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies.
