A top FBI official has been ousted in the wake of internal disputes over the handling of investigations into Trump supporters involved in the Jan. 6 protests. James Dennehy, who headed the bureau’s New York field office, confirmed that he was ordered to step down, though he was not provided with a reason.
Dennehy’s forced departure follows his resistance to a Justice Department request for a list of agents who had worked on Jan. 6-related cases. Last month, he warned colleagues in an internal message that experienced agents were being pushed out and that they needed to “dig in.”
The Trump administration has made sweeping changes at the FBI, removing officials who played roles in investigations tied to the former president and his allies. Dennehy was among the most senior figures affected, and his removal signals that additional dismissals may follow.
Aside from his involvement in Jan. 6 cases, Dennehy was also key in the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. That case was dropped after several prosecutors resigned, alleging improper influence from the administration.
Dennehy’s farewell email to his team focused on professionalism and the importance of upholding the FBI’s mission, even amid political pressure and historic corruption at the organization. He promised to continue supporting the bureau’s work despite his departure — something Americans should keep an eye on.
