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Ex-FBI Agent: Political Distractions Endanger National Security

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jacqueline Maguire, a former FBI special agent, argues in a New York Times piece that the agency is distracted by political motives.
She says this distraction undermines the FBI's focus on terrorism and cyber threats.
Maguire calls Iran the world’s most prolific state sponsor of terrorism.
She criticizes a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship as misguided and warns of national security risks amid Iran's threats against Americans.

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Story summary

Jacqueline Maguire, a former FBI special agent, argues in a New York Times piece that the agency is distracted by political motives.
She says this distraction undermines the FBI's focus on terrorism and cyber threats.
Maguire calls Iran the world’s most prolific state sponsor of terrorism.
She criticizes a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship as misguided and warns of national security risks amid Iran's threats against Americans.