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FBI Eases Entry for Agents Amid Recruitment Criticism

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) plans to let current employees bypass interview and writing assessments to become special agents in 2025 under U.S. President Donald Trump.
A written exam will allow direct entry into FBI Academy training.
Critics, including retired FBI officials, say this lowers recruitment standards and harms agent quality.
The agency aims to hire 700 new agents this year.

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Story summary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) plans to let current employees bypass interview and writing assessments to become special agents in 2025 under U.S. President Donald Trump.
A written exam will allow direct entry into FBI Academy training.
Critics, including retired FBI officials, say this lowers recruitment standards and harms agent quality.
The agency aims to hire 700 new agents this year.