Reclaiming the FBI's Legacy: A Call for Apolitical, Mission-Focused Leadership

A History of Missteps

The FBI, a once-revered institution, has navigated a turbulent history marked by both triumphs and troubling missteps. From the controversial investigations of Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activists under COINTELPRO to more recent concerns surrounding investigations into political campaigns, the bureau's reputation has suffered.

These actions have chipped away at public trust, raising questions about the FBI's objectivity and commitment to its core mission.

The Shift from Crime-Fighting to Domestic Intelligence

The September 11th attacks triggered a fundamental shift within the FBI. The bureau transitioned from a reactive crime-fighting agency to one focused on domestic intelligence and security. While this shift was understandable, it also led to a deprioritization of the very cultural traits and operational practices that had previously defined the FBI's success.

The adoption of corporate management models, ill-suited to the bureau's unique mission, further compounded the issue. As Chris Piehota, retired FBI executive assistant director, notes in his book, *Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew*, this shift marked a departure from what made the FBI iconic and planted the seeds for the challenges it faces today.

The Peril of Politicization

A significant concern surrounding the FBI is the perception of increased politicization. The bureau's involvement in investigations related to the 2016 election, the January 6th Capitol protests, and the Mar-a-Lago raid have fueled this perception.

Piehota reflects on his 25-year career, stating that discussions driven by personal politics or ideologies were once expressly avoided. This shift towards politically charged decision-making represents a dangerous departure from the FBI's apolitical roots.

A Path to Restoration

Despite these challenges, the FBI can reclaim its legacy. The key lies in returning to its core principles: skilled, objective, and professional investigative practices.

This requires a new generation of leadership, one committed to mission excellence and resistant to political pressures. Piehota emphasizes the need for leaders who prioritize the FBI's mission – "to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution" – above personal gain or political expediency.

A New Era of Leadership?

With new leadership in place, including Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, there is hope for meaningful reform. Their success hinges on building a strong leadership team and receiving unwavering support from national leaders as they work to rebuild the bureau and restore its credibility.

The future of the FBI depends on its ability to reclaim its apolitical stance, prioritize its core mission, and regain the trust of the American people.

*Chris Piehota is a retired FBI executive assistant director. These views are his own and represent excerpts from his book, "Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew."*