Two veteran FBI counterterrorism supervisors, Michael Burgwald and Courtland Rae, have been demoted following a disagreement over an investigation into alleged harassing phone calls made to Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. The FBI confirmed the demotions on Saturday. Burgwald, who is the special agent in charge of counterterrorism in the FBI’s Washington field office, and Rae, his deputy, both have extensive national security experience. Burgwald is a West Point graduate recognized for his role in a counterterrorism case in 2016, while Rae was involved in the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing. Both had also participated in the investigation of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Sources, including former FBI officials, indicated that Burgwald had previously clashed with FBI Director Kash Patel over various issues. The final disagreement arose when the Washington field office was asked to assess threats against Katie Miller, which some within the FBI viewed as inappropriate. One former official stated, "Harassing phone calls aren’t even in the ballpark of terrorism unless an actual terrorist is doing the dialing."
Darren Cox, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office, stated that the demotions were not directed by the FBI Director but were a personnel decision made locally based on mission needs. He emphasized that any claims suggesting otherwise are false. The demotions followed dissatisfaction from Miller and Patel regarding Burgwald and Rae's questioning of the request's legality and legitimacy. Both agents have been transferred back to FBI headquarters.
The demotions highlight ongoing concerns among FBI veterans regarding the agency's counterterrorism capabilities, with some agents expressing that the bureau has become politicized, leading to early retirements among experienced personnel. The Millers relocated to military housing last fall amid an ongoing investigation into threats against them. Ken Dilanian is a justice and intelligence reporter for MS NOW.