Recent whistleblower disclosures reviewed by The New York Post allege that the FBI's Security Division is systematically targeting political conservatives within its ranks through the misuse of security clearance procedures.
According to a supervisory special agent represented by Empower Oversight, the division has suspended or revoked clearances based on employees' political affiliations or COVID-19 vaccination status. The agent, described as a registered Democrat, claims high-ranking officials viewed political conservatives as security risks unfit for FBI employment.
Marcus Allen, a former FBI staff operations specialist, was suspended without pay for over two years despite investigators finding no basis for security concerns. This decision reportedly followed Allen's refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which he communicated to his supervisors.
Empower President Tristan Leavitt informed Congress that the whistleblower agent faced retaliation for disclosing these alleged abuses. Empower has submitted a whistleblower complaint to the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility.
Leavitt's letter to congressional leaders highlighted concerns about predetermined outcomes in clearance investigations, allegedly influenced by senior officials overriding line staff. He criticized the FBI's leadership, including Acting Deputy Assistant Director Jeffrey Veltri and Acting Section Chief Dena Perkins, for purportedly mishandling clearance processes and retaliating against whistleblowers.
Senator Chuck Grassley condemned the FBI's actions as political persecution and called for independent verification of the whistleblower's claims. He urged legislative action to reform the clearance process and protect future whistleblowers.
Despite these allegations, FBI Assistant Director Jennifer Leigh Moore denied under oath any retaliation against whistleblowers, stating suspensions were only used for national security reasons.
Marcus Allen, a former Marine and Iraq war veteran, faced extensive scrutiny for raising concerns about FBI Director Christopher Wray's testimony regarding the Capitol riot. The FBI has not responded to requests for comment on these allegations.
