FBI whistleblower Marcus Allen regains his security clearance amid a firestorm of controversy and allegations of political bias.
At a Glance
- FBI whistleblower Marcus Allen had his security clearance suspended in January 2022.
- Allen’s views on vaccine mandates and conspiracy theories raised concerns among investigators.
- Allen was deemed an insider threat for sharing news from RealClearPolitics.
- Allen regained his clearance, received back pay, and resigned from the FBI.
Allen’s Security Clearance Suspension
FBI whistleblower Marcus Allen had his security clearance suspended in January 2022 for forwarding news articles from sources deemed “questionable,” including RealClearPolitics. The incident that triggered the investigation occurred after Allen questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray’s testimony about the presence of informants during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. These actions and his skeptical views on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and conspiracy theories led investigators to consider him a potential insider threat.
Allegations of Political Retaliation
Empower Oversight asserts that the suspension of Allen’s security clearance was an act of retaliation for his whistleblower activities. The lead investigator on Allen’s case disagreed with the premise that Allen should lose his security clearance for allegedly not professing allegiance to the U.S. Empower Oversight President Tristan Leavitt stated that the investigation into Allen’s activities was solely in response to his whistleblower disclosure. This case adds to mounting allegations that the FBI has been using the security clearance process to retaliate against dissenting employees.
Whistleblower Marcus Allen wins security clearance and back pay after battle with FBIhttps://t.co/sMCFH0DVKH pic.twitter.com/pRikyLBg6T
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) June 5, 2024
Settlement and Resignation
After a protracted battle, Marcus Allen regained his security clearance and received back pay as part of a settlement with the FBI. This resolution came, however, without an admission of wrongdoing from the Bureau. The legal and financial toll on Allen and his family was significant; during his suspension, they had to rely on early withdrawals from retirement savings. Ultimately, Allen resigned from the FBI upon reinstatement of his clearance.
Implications for the FBI
The case of Marcus Allen is poised to be a significant point of discussion as Allen and Tristan Leavitt are scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on September 25. These events underscore the ongoing scrutiny and accusations of political bias within the FBI. Notably, other whistleblowers have alleged similar political purges within the Bureau. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz is also reviewing disclosures about abuses of the security clearance process in retaliation against whistleblowers.
“While we can’t comment on the specifics of any settlement, both parties agreed to resolve this matter without either admitting wrongdoing. Any allegation that the Director lied to Congress is false,” the FBI said in a statement.
The FBI maintains it resolved the matter without admitting to any wrongdoing. As this story continues to unfold, it is essential for Congress and the public to understand the full findings of the probe into alleged retaliation against whistleblowers.
