The FBI placed analyst Brian Auten on leave after his name appeared in a book by FBI Director Kash Patel, which listed alleged “deep state” actors. Auten had been recommended for disciplinary action by former FBI Director Christopher Wray in connection with the 2017 investigation into links between Donald Trump and Russia, although a later review found no evidence of political bias. Patel accused Auten of being part of the “Russia Gate conspiracy” and criticized his handling of information from Hunter Biden’s laptop. Auten is not the only FBI official targeted by the Trump administration, which has removed several senior executives and field office heads in response to their involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. Patel himself has ties to the 2017 investigation, having worked for Rep. Devin Nunes before joining the White House National Security Council. The move to place Auten on leave is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to target FBI officials connected to Trump-related investigations or the Capitol riots.
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