"On the same day Kirk was shot, three former high-ranking FBI officials filed a lawsuit accusing Patel, Bondi, and their agencies of unlawfully firing them as part of a political purge directed by the DOJ and the White House - something Patel promised against in Senate confirmation hearings. The larger concern, according to those familiar with the litigation, is Patel allegedly wielded authority belonging solely to the president, citing Article II of the Constitution in dismissal letters he signed."
"Article II of the Constitution and the laws of the United States do not vest any such authority with the Director of the FBI. Article II provides authority for the President, and the President alone, to appoint principal officers, concomitant with the power to remove them "at will." None of Plaintiffs are principal officers and, more importantly, the FBI Director is not the President."
Kash Patel is under scrutiny for firing Brian Driscoll and others in ways that could force former President Trump to sit for a deposition. On the same day Kirk was shot, three former high-ranking FBI officials filed a lawsuit accusing Patel, Pam Bondi, and their agencies of unlawfully firing them as part of a political purge directed by the Department of Justice and the White House. The lawsuit alleges Patel invoked Article II authority in dismissal letters, improperly exercising powers reserved for the President. Legal observers warn that invoking Article II in this context creates a legal minefield that could expose the FBI, DOJ, and the Executive Office to liability. Maurene Comey has filed suit against Bondi and the DOJ.
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