Instead of placing the FBI under legislative charter or statutory control, however, the resulting reforms placed supervisory responsibility in the hands of the Justice Department, now run by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who like Patel has been criticized for politicizing her office and valuing loyalty to Trump above all else.

FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday condemned a rise in swatting calls directed at major conservative figures. Social media influencer Gunther Eagleman, radio host Joe Pagliarulo, and Infowars' Chase Geiser each claimed to be among a slew of figures who were victims of false swatting calls this week.