The FBI has distributed a classified report to its employees titled the "Patel Report," which examines historical instances where the agency acknowledges it "fell short." According to an internal memo obtained on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, the document analyzes chapters from the bureau's past to promote organizational accountability. The FBI declined to comment on the report.
The release of the document follows Director Kash Patel’s vocal criticism of the leaders who preceded him and his determination to remove employees he contends have politicized the bureau. During his confirmation hearing last year, Patel pledged he would not look "backward," but as director, he has supported investigations into former senior officials and presided over terminations, including of employees who participated in years-old investigations of President Donald Trump.
The internal message, signed by co-deputy directors Christopher Raia and Andrew Bailey, described the report as the "closing of one chapter" and the beginning of another with a "brighter future ahead." The message stated that the agency must confront failures honestly to build safeguards against future mistakes. The announcement coincided with the final day of Andrew Bailey, who announced his resignation from the bureau earlier in the week.
The FBI message says the report is meant to "promote fierce organizational accountability" and rebuild "public trust." Critics of the director suggest his scrutiny of predecessors and their decision-making is part of an effort to rewrite history in favor of Trump, and that the punishment of agents who participated in investigations into the Republican president has eroded faith in the agency. Conversely, the agency’s leadership maintains these steps are necessary to build safeguards to ensure past mistakes do not define the institution.
While the report was issued to the workforce, it is not yet known if it includes specific recommendations or mandates further action. The document remains classified, and it has not been reported whether a redacted version will be made available to Congress or the public. Staff previously terminated under Patel's tenure included those who were photographed taking a knee during a 2020 racial justice protest and those who contributed to a disputed memo regarding Catholic extremism.