The FBI and Justice Department are rebuilding a depleted workforce after widespread departures and concerns about politicization, with changes in hiring practices aimed at stabilizing operations.

A wave of resignations and firings tied to concerns about loyalty to the previous administration has prompted shifts in recruitment and staffing strategies.

Overall, the moves are framed as modernization and stabilization, but critics warn they could erode professional standards and expertise.

The FBI says changes streamline hiring without lowering qualifications, supported by a strong applicant pool and ongoing training requirements.

Leadership turnover is high, with many field office leaders replaced or newly appointed and promotions going to staff with less traditional headquarters experience.

Promotions within the FBI are accelerating, contributing to short tenures for some senior officials as several depart or are removed.

Public recruitment has used social media and high-profile figures, including a former official with past administration ties, to signal an aggressive staffing push.

Officials emphasize broad outreach to recruit rapidly, underscoring a strategy to stabilize operations across the bureau.

Across divisions like Criminal and National Security, leadership and staffing gaps prompt more aggressive hires and the deployment of military lawyers as special prosecutors in some offices.

Department reporting shows declines in certain divisions amid rising workloads, with staffing supplemented by military lawyers serving as special prosecutors.

Critics argue the reforms amount to lowering standards, citing concerns about experience and leadership quality in field and headquarters roles.

The DOJ has relaxed hiring prerequisites for prosecutors, including suspending the rule requiring a year of legal practice, to address staffing shortages.