The FBI has been hit with some major changes in recent months. But this threw everyone for a loop.
And FBI agents are completely stunned over what this Trump official has done.
FBI Sees Surge in Agent Applications Under New Leadership
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has witnessed an unprecedented wave of interest from aspiring agents during Director Kash Patel’s first full month at the helm.
According to Fox News Digital, March brought a staggering 5,577 new applications—a figure that nearly doubles the monthly average seen since 2016, signaling a renewed enthusiasm for careers in federal law enforcement.
Data obtained by the outlet reveals this is no fluke. The last time the FBI came close to such numbers was back in April 2016, with 5,283 hopefuls vying for a spot. To put this in perspective, 2023 averaged just 2,797 applications per month, while 2024 ticked up slightly to 3,383. March’s numbers blow those out of the water.
“Director Patel and Deputy Director (Dan) Bongino have put a major emphasis on restoring confidence in federal law enforcement and boosting new agent recruiting,” FBI spokesman Ben Williamson said to Fox News Digital. “These record early returns certainly suggest the new FBI is heading in the right direction.”
The momentum started early in the year. According to data from the FBI, since January, over 10,000 applications have poured in.
That month alone—coinciding with the start of the Trump administration and Patel’s nomination and confirmation process—saw 4,143 submissions, the highest since August 2020. It’s a clear sign that something is shifting at the bureau.
“The record number of FBI job applications in March shows that people are inspired by Kash Patel’s commitment to restoring integrity and effectiveness at the bureau,” said Erica Knight, an advisor to Patel, in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Americans are putting their trust in his leadership to rebuild the FBI and keep our communities safe.” She added with confidence, “This is just the beginning.”
Knight emphasized Patel’s vision: “Kash is dedicated to creating a stronger, more trusted FBI that serves the American people the way it was always meant to.”
Patel’s focus on trust isn’t new. During his Senate confirmation hearing in late January, he didn’t shy away from the challenges ahead. “Only 40% of Americans hold a favorable view of the FBI,” he testified, citing polling that highlights what he called an “erosion of trust.”
He stressed, “This must change. Public cooperation is vital for the bureau to solve crimes, and its declining reputation is already affecting recruitment efforts.”
Now, with Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino steering the ship, the duo is doubling down on revitalizing the agency. Their approach? Prioritize recruitment and lift morale by “letting good cops be cops.”
A key part of this effort came in March with the release of a slick FBI recruitment video. Featuring Patel alongside agents in the field and dynamic clips from the hostage rescue team facility, it ends with a bold call to action: “A renewed mission. A stronger future. Apply today at FBIJobs.gov.”
Behind the scenes, Patel and Bongino are also fostering stronger ties with local law enforcement and supporting their own team. Sources told Fox News Digital that Patel has directed staff to provide unwavering support to families of fallen officers, while Bongino has taken time to personally connect with uniformed officers on FBI grounds, thanking them for their often-overlooked efforts.
“Our team will continue to recruit the best law enforcement personnel in the country. We hope to see even more brave men and women want to be a part of what we’re building,” Williamson said when speaking with Fox News Digital.
With applications soaring and a clear mission in sight, the FBI under Patel’s leadership is off to a roaring start. If March is any indication, the bureau’s future might just be as strong as its new slogan promises.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
