The FBI just had a massive spike in agent applications under Director Kash Patel’s first full month in charge. The numbers nearly doubled the usual average.
March saw 5,577 new applications. That’s the highest monthly number since April 2016, which had 5,283.
For comparison, the monthly average in 2023 was 2,797. In 2024, it’s been around 3,383 per month — until now.
"Director Patel and Deputy Director (Dan) Bongino have put a major emphasis on restoring confidence in federal law enforcement and boosting new agent recruiting," FBI spokesman Ben Williamson said. "These record early returns certainly suggest the new FBI is heading in the right direction."
Since January, over 10,000 people have applied to be FBI agents. That’s a huge surge in interest.
In January alone, the FBI got 4,143 applications. That was Patel’s nomination and confirmation month — and the first time applications hit the 4,000s since August 2020.
"The record number of FBI job applications in March shows that people are inspired by Kash Patel’s commitment to restoring integrity and effectiveness at the bureau," said Patel advisor Erica Knight. "Americans are putting their trust in his leadership to rebuild the FBI and keep our communities safe."
"Kash is dedicated to creating a stronger, more trusted FBI that serves the American people the way it was always meant to," Knight added.
During his Senate hearing in January, Patel didn’t hold back. He pointed to polling that showed only 40% of Americans viewed the FBI favorably.
"This must change," Patel said. "Public cooperation is vital for the bureau to solve crimes, and its declining reputation is already affecting recruitment efforts."
Patel and Bongino have focused hard on morale and recruitment. They want to “let good cops be cops” again.
In March, Patel released a bold FBI recruitment video. It showed him with agents and featured intense footage from the hostage rescue team.
The video closed with the FBI seal and the words: "A renewed mission. A stronger future." It urged: "Apply today at FBIJobs.gov."
Internally, Patel and Bongino have been just as active. They’ve told staff to strengthen local partnerships and show full support to fallen officers’ families.
Sources say Bongino’s been on the ground personally thanking uniformed officers. He’s made sure their hard work gets noticed.
"Our team will continue to recruit the best law enforcement personnel in the country," Williamson said. "We hope to see even more brave men and women want to be a part of what we’re building."