Morning Wire Inside “The Two FBIs”: An Ex-Agent On How Politics Broke The Bureau
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Dec 14, 2025 Nicole Parker, a former FBI special agent and author of The Two FBIs, shares her unique insights on the internal culture of the FBI. She discusses the stark contrast between the apolitical FBI One and the politicized FBI Two, especially highlighting the shift she began noticing around 2015. Parker identifies James Comey’s 2016 statement as a pivotal moment for political weaponization. She also reflects on the agency's challenges under current leadership and emphasizes the need for reforms to restore trust and morale.
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Two Distinct Cultures In The FBI
- Nicole Parker observed two distinct cultures inside the FBI: agents committed to apolitical law enforcement and employees pushing political/social agendas.
- She calls this internal split “FBI One” versus “FBI Two,” describing it as almost a civil war within the agency.
Comey Press Conference As A Turning Point
- Parker recounts joining in 2010 motivated by service and witnessing the 9/11 attacks' impact on her career choice.
- She says July 5, 2016, James Comey’s announcement was the moment she realized the FBI had been politically weaponized.
Unequal Enforcement Along Political Lines
- Parker says politically driven actions produced unequal enforcement and rules that differed by political lines.
- She argues the Russia-collusion probe and use of a dossier exemplify FBI Two’s destructive behavior.
