The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart Deep Sh!t State: Trump’s Retribution Campaign
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Aug 14, 2025 Michael Feinberg, a former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, shares his insights on the political pressures that led to his resignation. Alongside Devlin Barrett, a New York Times reporter, they delve into how Trump's administration has impacted the integrity of the FBI and DOJ. They discuss the political dynamics affecting law enforcement, the emotional toll of retribution campaigns, and the erosion of public trust. The conversation highlights the dangers of weaponizing justice and the consequences for national security amid political turmoil.
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Agent Forced Out Over A Friendship
- Michael Feinberg resigned from the FBI after being told his career was over for being friends with Pete Strzok.
- He left to avoid demotion while his wife was pregnant and to protect his family from upheaval.
Firing Patterns Create A Chilling Effect
- Devlin Barrett says recent firings violate longstanding civil service norms and chill the FBI workforce.
- Career agents now fear that doing politically sensitive investigations will end their careers.
Institutionalists Versus Political Loyalists
- Feinberg explains earlier administrations still respected DOJ norms even if they favored different policies.
- He contrasts institutionalist appointees with this administration's political loyalists.