TLDR:
- FBI inspector general found investigators improperly questioned agents about Trump support, Catholic Church attendance, and COVID vaccine objections during security clearance reviews
- Intrusive questions included asking why an agent “reconnected with the Catholic Church” and whether they read “Mein Kampf”
- Inspector general warned such inquiries risk violating agents’ constitutional rights of expression, belief and association
- FBI’s Security Division lacked clear rules, training or legal guidance to prevent inappropriate questioning about protected activities
The FBI’s own inspector general has found that bureau investigators trampled on agents’ constitutional rights by asking inappropriate questions about their political beliefs, religious practices and vaccine views during security clearance reviews.
Acting Inspector General Don R. Berthiaume called the inquiries “concerning” in a report released Wednesday, citing examples that included asking why an agent “reconnected with the Catholic Church,” whether agents supported President Trump, and if they objected to coronavirus vaccines.
Investigators also asked witnesses about attendance at pro-Second Amendment rallies and whether an agent had read “Mein Kampf.”
Mr. Berthiaume said the FBI’s Security Division lacked proper training, policy guidance and legal oversight to prevent such constitutionally questionable inquiries.
The problematic questions were first discovered while reviewing the case of an agent whose clearance was revoked for actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol intrusion.
Read more:
• FBI wrongly questioned agents’ support for Trump, religious beliefs, COVID vaccine status
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