The FBI has placed Brian Auten, a Russia expert, on leave after his name appeared on a list of alleged “deep state” actors in a 2023 book written by FBI Director Kash Patel.
According to two sources familiar with the matter, this development was first reported by The New York Times. The reason for placing Auten on leave remains unclear, and the FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Auten, who was involved in the FBI’s 2017 investigation into potential links between Donald Trump’s campaign and the Russian government, was also one of the employees recommended for internal discipline by former FBI Director Christopher Wray.
This recommendation followed mistakes made in the Russia investigation. However, a later review by the Justice Department inspector general found no evidence of political bias in the FBI’s actions during the investigation.
Patel, in his book “Government Gangsters”, included Auten on a list of about 60 alleged “deep state” actors. Patel specifically criticized Auten by name, claiming,
“The fact that Auten was not fired from the FBI and prosecuted for his part in the Russia Gate conspiracy is a national embarrassment.” Patel also accused him of downplaying information related to the laptop of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden.
While Patel has publicly denounced Auten, he has denied that the list in his book is an “enemies list.”
Patel, who had connections to the 2017 investigation, worked as a staffer for Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) on the House Intelligence Committee during the early days of Trump’s presidency.
In that role, Patel authored a controversial memo accusing the FBI of errors related to its surveillance of Carter Page, a former Trump campaign advisor. Patel later joined the White House National Security Council.
The decision to place Auten on leave comes amid a broader pattern of the Trump administration targeting FBI officials who were involved in investigations of Trump or those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
In January 2023, the Trump administration forced out six senior FBI executives and several heads of FBI field offices. A letter sent to those fired cited their roles in the January 6 investigations.
In March 2023, the Trump administration also dismissed the head of the FBI’s New York field office after he encouraged employees to “dig in” following the January firings.