BREAKING: The FBI has reportedly dismissed more than a dozen employees after an internal review uncovered improper access tied to the phone records of political figures Kash Patel and Susie Wiles, sparking fresh scrutiny over surveillance practices inside the bureau.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the disciplinary action followed findings that staffers accessed or handled sensitive communications data without proper authorization. The review was launched after concerns emerged that records connected to the Trump-allied figures had been improperly obtained or reviewed.

The FBI said accountability measures were necessary to protect civil liberties and maintain public trust, emphasizing that safeguards around investigative data are being strengthened. The incident is already fueling political debate in Washington over government oversight, privacy protections, and the limits of federal investigative powers.