FBI Bans All ‘Pride Month’ Activities and Events, Tells Agents to Focus ‘Only on Our Core Mission’
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced it will not permit any pride month celebrations this June, marking a significant policy shift under new leadership.
FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson delivered the directive to agents and directors Thursday morning via email.
The communication addressed multiple inquiries about the bureau’s position on pride month activities.
“I’ve received several questions about the FBI’s stance on Pride Month and what related activities FBI divisions and employees should or should not participate in,” Williamson stated in his message to assistant directors in charge and special agents in charge.
The email established clear boundaries for FBI personnel during the month of June.
Leadership emphasized that no official bureau resources or time should be allocated to pride-related activities.
“So, I want to take the opportunity to make FBI leadership’s expectations clear: There should be no official FBI actions, events, or messaging regarding pride month,” Williamson wrote.
The directive distinguishes between official bureau time and personal activities.
Employees received clarification that they maintain freedom to participate in pride events outside of work.
Williamson told staff they are “free to do as you like” in their “personal capacity” or “on your own time,” according to the communication, per Fox News.
The restrictions, however, apply specifically to any use of FBI resources, time or official affiliation.
“But on FBI time, using FBI resources and your Bureau affiliation, you and your divisions are expected to take no official actions or issue any specific messaging,” Williamson emphasized.
This decision represents a departure from previous FBI practices under different administrations.
The bureau had previously supported pride month activities during both Trump’s first presidency and throughout the Biden administration.
The Biden administration notably promoted pride month celebrations across federal agencies.
The White House displayed rainbow pillars and hosted pride celebrations on the South Lawn during Biden’s tenure.
The FBI’s new stance aligns with broader changes occurring under current leadership.
FBI Director Kash Patel has emphasized rebuilding public confidence in the federal law enforcement agency.
Patel stated in February that his primary objective is to “rebuild trust in the FBI.”
Williamson addressed potential concerns about the bureau’s commitment to serving all Americans.
He clarified that the pride month policy does not reflect any change in the FBI’s dedication to protecting citizens.
The assistant director emphasized that the decision “in no way lessens the FBI’s commitment to serve and protect every American in our country or welcoming colleagues from all walks of life.”
Instead, the policy change focuses on operational priorities and public perception.
Williamson explained the reasoning behind the new directive in terms of mission clarity.
“What it does mean is ensuring that the American people see we are focused only on our core mission,” Williamson stated.
FBI field offices across the nation will implement the new guidelines uniformly, according to the Daily Caller.
The policy applies to all 56 field offices and their resident agencies throughout the United States.
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