Another chapter in the FBI’s ongoing saga of whistleblower woes has just dropped, and it’s a doozy. Steve Friend, a former agent who blew the lid off issues during the COVID era, has been shown the door yet again by the bureau. This time, the dismissal is raising eyebrows and tempers among conservatives who smell retaliation in the air.
The story of Steve Friend’s rollercoaster career with the FBI, from suspension to reinstatement and now termination on Dec. 12, 2025, encapsulates a broader clash between individual dissent and institutional control.
Let’s rewind to August 2022, when Friend was first suspended by the FBI for reasons that stirred controversy among those skeptical of federal overreach. He resigned in February 2023, seemingly closing that chapter. But the plot thickened when he was reinstated in September 2025, only to find himself back in hot water mere months later.
The FBI’s latest move came on Dec. 12, 2025, when Friend was fired for what the bureau called “unprofessional conduct and poor judgment,” according to a termination letter shared on X by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine. Now, isn’t it curious how “poor judgment” often seems to be code for stepping on the wrong toes in Washington? This isn’t just a pink slip—it’s a warning shot to anyone daring to speak out.
The specifics, as laid out in the FBI’s letter, point to Friend engaging in unauthorized chats with the media and publicly discussing bureau matters, including ongoing investigations. The letter even notes that in November 2025, he shared media content and photos identifying a supposed subject on his podcast without solid evidence to back it up. Sounds like a classic case of enthusiasm outpacing discretion, but should that cost a man his career?
“Participated in unauthorized interactions with the media, publicly disseminated media sources, and commented publicly on FBI matters and ongoing FBI investigations,” the FBI termination letter stated, as posted by Devine on X. If that doesn’t sound like a muzzle attempt to silence dissent, then what does? For an agency often criticized for opacity, this feels less like accountability and more like a grudge.
House Republicans aren’t buying the FBI’s reasoning, accusing the bureau of retaliating against Friend for daring to expose misconduct. Their outrage echoes a growing conservative frustration with federal agencies that seem to punish truth-tellers while protecting their own. Friend, after all, isn’t just a rogue agent—he’s a symbol of resistance to what many see as bureaucratic overreach.
Adding fuel to the fire, Friend and another former agent, Garret O’Boyle, testified before Congress on May 18, 2023, shining a light on internal issues at the FBI. That kind of public airing of dirty laundry doesn’t win friends in high places. Is it any wonder the bureau might be itching for payback?
Even Friend’s legal team at Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research distanced themselves before the firing, dropping him as a client on Dec. 5, 2025. Their letter, shared on X by former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin, criticized Friend for ignoring advice and risking further trouble by speaking out. Seems even his allies saw the storm coming, but did they abandon ship too soon?
“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,” Empower Oversight wrote in their letter, as posted by Seraphin on X. Ouch—that’s not just a breakup; it’s a public scolding. But when a whistleblower’s back is against the wall, shouldn’t counsel stand firm instead of cutting ties?
The FBI, for its part, isn’t saying much beyond confirming the firing, with a source declining to elaborate due to it being a personnel matter. That’s standard protocol, sure, but it also conveniently dodges deeper scrutiny. Transparency, it seems, is a one-way street at the bureau.
So, where does this leave Steve Friend? Caught between a rock and a hard place, he’s now a martyr to some and a cautionary tale to others. His story underscores a troubling question for conservatives: Can you challenge the system without being crushed by it?
For many on the right, Friend’s firing isn’t just personal—it’s political, a clear message from an establishment wary of dissent. The Biden-era FBI, in their view, appears more interested in silencing critics than addressing internal flaws. If that’s not a wake-up call for reform, what is?
Yet, there’s a flip side worth considering: Friends’ actions, like airing unverified claims on a podcast, might have crossed a line that even supporters struggle to defend. Recklessness isn’t heroism, and the FBI does have a right to enforce discipline. Still, the timing and context scream something more than just a routine dismissal.
In the end, this saga isn’t just about one man’s career—it’s about the soul of federal institutions and whether they can tolerate voices of dissent without resorting to what looks like vengeance. Steve Friend may be down, but his fight is far from over. And for those who believe in holding power to account, his story is a rallying cry against a system that too often punishes the messenger.
