BREAKING: FBI shutters DEI office ahead of Trump inauguration

Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, the FBI has shuttered its DEI office. 

The agency confirmed to Fox News on Thursday, "In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024."

This comes as Trump has nominated Kash Patel for FBI director, and current FBI head Christopher Wray in December announced that he would resign before Trump took office. 

In May, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan sent a letter to Wray demanding information about the FBI’s use of DEI initiatives. Jordan wrote, "The law enforcement and intelligence capabilities of the FBI are degrading because the FBI is no longer hiring 'the best and brightest' candidates to fill the position of Special Agent of the FBI."

"An increasing number of lower quality candidates—described by one source as 'bread crumbs' because they were rejected by other federal law enforcement agencies—are applying to become FBI Special Agents; and the FBI is selecting those candidates to become FBI Special Agents because they satisfy the FBI's priority to meet Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) mandates."

Senator Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to Wray in early January saying that the FBI’s "radical" DEI practices had "endangered Americans." This came after the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. "I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people," Blackburn wrote.

The FBI’s page on diversity and inclusion on its website stated, The FBI is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization's core values."

"We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people. We also understand we have work to do. We stand committed, as today’s FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity."