- FBI Director Kash Patel updated hiring guidelines so that applicants who paid for sex up to three times in the past decade are no longer automatically disqualified.
- The modified rules also refrain from automatically ruling out candidates who engaged in bestiality prior to turning 18.
- The FBI pushed back against criticism, stating it is false to suggest criminal behavior is no longer disqualifying and emphasizing its rigorous background checks.
- Former FBI agents strongly criticized the changes, noting that accepting applicants who purchased sex undermines the bureau's work against sex trafficking.
- Retired officials suggested the policy shift may stem from a shallow applicant pool after the departure of more than 1,000 agents in 2025.
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