Staff Reports
FBI whistleblower Marcus Allen received positive news last Friday when the bureau restored his security clearance, along with his full back pay and benefits. Mr. Allen, who had voluntarily resigned as part of a settlement with the FBI, was compensated for the entire 27 months of his suspension. He expressed mixed feelings, stating he was glad to have his security clearance back but saddened that the FBI could falsely question his loyalty to America for two years. He called for improved oversight and changes to security clearance laws to protect other whistleblowers.
Empower Oversight and the American Center for Law and Justice supported Mr. Allen. Empower Oversight remarked that the FBI fully conceded and urged the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz to release findings from their investigation. They believe transparency is necessary, despite the FBI reinstating Mr. Allen’s clearance before the inspector general’s report was issued.
Whistleblower wins security clearance and back pay after battle with FBI https://t.co/xmwjX56669
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) June 4, 2024
During his suspension, Mr. Allen had to use his retirement savings to support his family. He was not allowed to accept other jobs due to gift rules and had no official work or income for over two years. This situation brought negative attention to the FBI, with several other whistleblowers reporting similar retaliatory actions, including loss of clearances and pay.
Inspector General Horowitz criticized the Justice Department for lacking an appeal process for employees who lose their security clearances for more than a year, potentially due to retaliation. Recommendations for improvement included allowing employees to file complaints with the inspector general after a year without a clearance, ensuring employees are aware of their right to complain, and providing a way for employees to retain their jobs during a security review.
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan revealed that a senior FBI Security Division official had suggested opening a case against Mr. Allen, despite his field office's preference to merely reassign him. The FBI had accused Mr. Allen of making statements that could incite trouble and supporting those involved in the 2021 Capitol events. However, a 2023 letter from a Security Division employee to lawmakers indicated that Mr. Allen’s colleagues did not question his loyalty to America but believed he held conservative views. This suggests that Mr. Allen may have been targeted for his political beliefs.
The Washington Times reported other instances of FBI whistleblowers facing repercussions for their political stances.
