FBI director – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

Former FBI Director James Comey speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 7, 2018. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

October 8, 2025

James Comey’s indictment is a trademark tactic of authoritarians

Cassandra Burke Robertson, Case Western Reserve University

The former FBI director’s indictment breaks a principle that has protected American democracy for 50 years.

FBI Director Kash Patel speaks at his confirmation hearing on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

March 12, 2025

The parallels between Kash Patel and William J. Burns, a scandal‑mongering 1920s FBI director — an FBI historian explains

Douglas M. Charles, Penn State

Some observers compare FBI Director Kash Patel to J. Edgar Hoover. A better historical match is the politically motivated William J. Burns.

FBI agents at a news conference announce the addition of Daniel Andreas San Diego, top right, to the FBI’s list of most-wanted terrorists in April 2009 at FBI Headquarters in Washington. AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File

December 13, 2024

FBI director guides the agency in confronting complex international threats, investigating federal crimes and running 55 field offices

Javed Ali, University of Michigan

The FBI investigates everything from terrorist threats to cybercrime to public corruption. What does the presidentially nominated, Senate-confirmed head of the sprawling agency actually do?

Articles on FBI director

Displaying all articles

James Comey’s indictment is a trademark tactic of authoritarians

The parallels between Kash Patel and William J. Burns, a scandal‑mongering 1920s FBI director — an FBI historian explains

FBI director guides the agency in confronting complex international threats, investigating federal crimes and running 55 field offices

Top contributors

Articles on FBI director

Displaying all articles

Related Topics

Top contributors

Links