Reform the Bureau
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News & Updates
I Helped Keep FBI Headquarters Secure — It’s Time to Leave It Behind
In an op-ed for Townhall, Reform the Bureau founder and retired FBI Special Agent Richard Stout argues that the decaying Hoover Building is no longer fit to house the FBI and supports Director Patel’s plan to relocate headquarters and decentralize the Bureau for greater effectiveness and national security.
OPINION: Boulder was a failure — But it didn’t have to be
A violent antisemitic attack in Boulder — perpetrated by a known visa overstayer and radicalized individual — reveals how the FBI’s mission drift and centralization failed to prevent a tragedy that could have been stopped, underscoring the urgent need for reform and field-driven law enforcement.
Summary of FBI Director's Letter to Ms. Savage
On May 6, the FBI launched a new strategy focused on making the Bureau more agile and responsive to national and local needs. While the FBI's mission to protect Americans and uphold the Constitution remains unchanged, Director Patel outlined four new top priorities:
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Crush Violent Crime – Dismantle violent actors, gangs, and cartels.
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Defend the Homeland – Counter terrorism, cyber threats, and foreign intelligence.
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Rebuild Public Trust – Promote transparency, uphold civil rights, and combat corruption.
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Fierce Organizational Accountability – Enforce high internal standards and keep the public informed.
The letter emphasized continued partnership and open communication with the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.
Did Biden Kick the FBI on His Way Out — or Did Someone Else Have the Pen?
In a guest editorial for RedState, Richard F. Stout, Jr., Director of Reform the Bureau, criticizes President Biden's last-minute commutation of Leonard Peltier's sentence, questioning whether Biden personally authorized the clemency or if it was executed by staff without his direct involvement, thereby raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the clemency process.
Reforming the FBI begins with ending waste, fraud and abuse
Richard Stout, a law enforcement veteran and director of Reform the Bureau, argues that under the leadership of President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, the FBI is finally undergoing long-overdue reforms to eliminate politicization, restore public trust, and refocus on its core mission of protecting the public and upholding the rule of law.
Richard Stout's Testimony
RTB Founder, Richard Stout, testified to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight on April 2, 2025. Read his testimony here.
Decentralizing the FBI is the first step to depoliticizing it
RTB Founder, Richard Stout, discusses the challenges posed by the centralization of federal agencies like the FBI, which can lead to politicization and inefficiency. He highlights instances where agency employees have engaged in political activism, such as leaking information to the press, undermining the impartiality essential to law enforcement. Stout supports FBI Director Kash Patel's initiative to decentralize the bureau by relocating up to 1,500 agents from Washington, D.C., to regional offices. This move aims to enhance responsiveness, improve investigative efficiency, and rebuild public trust by distributing leadership and decision-making authority across the country, thereby reducing the risk of politicization.
Kash Patel Finally Reveals Truth About the Honeypot Operation - Integrity Is Back
​Kash Patel, the new FBI Director, refuted claims of an off-the-books "honeypot" operation targeting Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. The alleged scheme involved female agents using romantic deception to extract information. Patel stated the allegations were false, defending the agent in question and emphasizing transparency, accountability, and justice as core principles of his leadership. He pledged to expose misconduct while protecting those who uphold FBI standards.
Weekend Interview: Former Agent Richard Stout’s Fight to Restore Integrity and Purpose at the FBI
Former FBI Special Agent Richard Stout, co-founder of Reform the Bureau, advocates for restoring the agency’s integrity by depoliticizing its operations, refocusing on crime-fighting, and implementing leadership reforms.
Dozens of former FBI agents rally around Kash Patel's confirmation: 'Lives have been shattered'
Former FBI agents from Reform the Bureau stand in support of Kash Patel’s confirmation, highlighting concerns about leadership and accountability within the Bureau. Read more about their statement and the ongoing fight for reform.
Biden kicks FBI in the teeth on the way out the door
In a recent opinion piece, Richard Stout criticizes President Biden's decision to commute the sentence of Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of murdering two FBI agents in 1975. Stout argues that this action undermines the efforts of law enforcement and the justice system, noting that previous presidents, including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, denied Peltier's clemency requests. He emphasizes that Peltier has remained unrepentant and that courts have consistently upheld his conviction over the past five decades. Stout concludes that by commuting Peltier's sentence, President Biden has chosen to prioritize a convicted murderer over the sacrifices of dedicated FBI agents.
Trump names Brian Driscoll to serve as acting FBI director after sudden Abbate retirement
President Trump appointed veteran FBI agent Brian Driscoll as acting FBI director on Monday, January 20, following the sudden retirement of Deputy Director Paul Abbate.
​A Bipartisan Stake in FBI Reforms
A recent article from The Wall Street Journal highlights the shared responsibility of both political parties in addressing concerns within the FBI. Key issues include the agency's handling of intelligence operations and the potential misuse of classified information.
The Heritage Foundation on the FBI’s Impact on American Liberties
The Heritage Foundation asserts that the FBI has become a significant threat to American freedoms, emphasizing the need for reforms that enhance transparency and accountability within the bureau.
The Atlantic previously explored the necessity for meaningful reforms in the FBI and the Department of Justice, particularly in their approaches to investigating political figures and campaigns.
“Fix the FBI” by James A. Gagliano
James A. Gagliano, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, argues that politicization within the FBI has eroded public trust. He cites a June 2023 poll showing only 37% of registered voters view the agency positively. Gagliano recommends structural reforms, such as downsizing FBI headquarters and streamlining management, to restore its core principles.
“Empowering Law Enforcement Is Not the Solution” – Michael German
Former FBI agent Michael German critiques the agency’s domestic terrorism approach, arguing that the FBI already has sufficient authority but often fails to use it effectively. He warns that expanding law enforcement powers could suppress legitimate dissent, particularly among marginalized groups. German calls for a reevaluation of priorities to better address crime without infringing on civil liberties.
​​How to Fix the FBI
Written by Reform the Bureau's Director, Richard Stout, this article discusses actionable steps for reforming the FBI. The piece critiques current practices and proposes solutions to rebuild public trust and improve agency integrity.
No, the FBI and Justice Department Aren't 'Woke'
Published by the Brennan Center for Justice, this article counters claims that the FBI and DOJ are influenced by "woke culture," arguing that such assertions are unfounded. The piece emphasizes the need for a balanced view of the agency's operations, debunking misconceptions and highlighting the importance of maintaining an impartial perspective on law enforcement agencies.
Let an FBI Agent Lead the FBI
An opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal argues that the bureau's culture has been corrupted by a leadership class lacking field experience. The article advocates for leadership reforms, suggesting that placing an experienced FBI agent at the helm could help restore the agency's integrity and focus.