The FBI has placed an analyst on leave whose name was on a list of alleged "deep state" actors in a book written by FBI Director Kash Patel, two people familiar with the matter told NBC News. This was first reported by the New York Times. It’s unclear what reason the FBI gave for the move, and the agency declined to comment.
Brian Auten, a Russia expert, was the employee who was placed on leave. He was also among the FBI employees recommended for internal discipline by former FBI Director Christopher Wray over mistakes made in connection with the 2017 investigation into links between then-candidate Donald Trump and the Russian government. A later review by the Justice Department inspector general found no evidence that any FBI employee acted out of political bias in the Russia investigation.
Patel included Auten on a list of roughly 60 alleged "deep state" actors in his 2023 book, "Government Gangsters." Patel denounced the FBI analyst by name, writing: “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 Auten of downplaying information found on the laptop of former President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden.
The FBI's decision to place Auten on leave comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the agency by the Trump administration, which has targeted FBI officials involved in the prosecutions related to Trump and the January 6 Capitol riot. In January 2025, the Trump administration forced out six senior executives from the agency and several heads of FBI field offices nationwide. In March 2025, they also removed the head of the FBI's New York field office after he encouraged employees to "dig in" following the January firings.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, facing uncertain re-election prospects this year, recently found himself in the spotlight for promoting Patel’s book, "Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth and the Battle for Our Democracy," shortly after federal corruption charges against him were dropped. During a celebratory news conference, Adams urged New Yorkers to buy the book, reiterating the message multiple times within 24 hours.
Sales of "Government Gangsters" surged nearly 800 percent during the week of Adams's promotional efforts, jumping from 228 to 2,019 copies sold, according to Circana BookScan. This increase was notable as it exceeded sales during the week of Patel's Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025, when 745 copies were sold. The book also made its debut on Amazon’s “most sold” nonfiction list at No. 11 and reached No. 14 on The New York Times nonfiction best-seller list, marking its first appearance there.
Adams, who suggested he was being persecuted by the Biden administration for his criticism of its border policies, stated, "I’m going to encourage every New Yorker to read it," the day his indictment was dismissed. He characterized the legal proceedings against him as a procedural necessity rather than a reflection of his guilt or innocence. During an episode of the podcast "Flagrant," Adams echoed his support for Patel's claims of a "permanent government" undermining democracy.
In his book, Patel describes the investigation into Trump’s campaign ties to Russia as a “hoax” and implies that the FBI played a role in instigating the January 6 Capitol assault. He writes, “What’s most terrifying is that the persecution of the establishment’s political opponents didn’t stop with the protesters who were at the Capitol that fateful day.”
As for the FBI, it has faced significant turmoil under the Trump administration, which has seen many senior leaders pushed out, particularly those overseeing investigations into Trump’s actions during and after his presidency. Auten's suspension, which reportedly occurred last week, is part of this broader pattern of personnel changes and controversies within the agency.
Patel's book, which has garnered attention for its controversial claims, continues to stir debate. Critics argue that it promotes conspiracy theories about the "deep state" and undermines trust in federal institutions. The FBI, when asked for comment regarding Auten's suspension and the ongoing controversies, declined to provide any statements, adhering to its policy on personnel matters.
In light of these developments, both Patel’s book and the ongoing actions within the FBI reflect the significant political tensions surrounding the Trump administration's legacy and its impact on federal agencies. As the narrative unfolds, it remains to be seen how these events will influence public perception and the future of political discourse in America.
