The David Frum Show The Wrecking of the FBI
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Jul 16, 2025 Peter Strzok, a former FBI counterintelligence official and author, shares insights into the agency's turmoil during Trump's second term. He discusses how political pressures have led to the purging of experts and weakening of national security functions, leaving the U.S. vulnerable to foreign threats. Strzok also addresses the implications of Trump's controversial decisions regarding Jeffrey Epstein and his ongoing legal battle over his firing. The conversation sheds light on the shifting landscape of the FBI and the broader political fractures within Trump's base.
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Epstein Investigation Fractures MAGA
- The Jeffrey Epstein investigation broke a tacit deal in MAGA world between Trump and his base.
- Many MAGA supporters felt betrayed when Trump shut down the investigation, causing internal fractures.
Agent Reassignments as Purges
- FBI director’s authority to move agents can force resignations indirectly.
- Personal circumstances of agents become leverage to purge unwanted personnel.
FBI Counterterrorism Capability Erodes
- Purges of senior agents degrade FBI’s counterterrorism capabilities at a critical moment.
- Loss of expertise leaves the US vulnerable to threats like Iranian terrorism.
