Texas AG Erupts On FBI, Calls For Agency to Be Fully Dismantled
By Mike Fishmore | June 3, 2024
Controversial figure
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton strongly criticized the FBI in an interview with Steve Bannon, advocating for its total dismantlement.
Paxton, a controversial figure impeached on bribery allegations and later acquitted, faces an FBI probe regarding benefits from a donor.
Deep distrust
He made a controversial analogy, equating the FBI to the Nazi Gestapo during his discussion with Bannon. Expressing deep distrust and allegations of corruption within the organization, Paxton vehemently advocated for the FBI to be disbanded, stating that it would be preferable to have nothing in its place due to the prevalent level of corruption he perceives.
As corrupt
Paxton said, "Describing the FBI as equivalent to the Gestapo in Venezuela, China, and Germany of the 1930s and 40s, the individual portrayed the agency as corrupt and operating outside the boundaries of the law."
Sense of helplessness
He continued, "They expressed a sense of helplessness, noting the lack of accountability and the fear that pervades among other Attorneys General."
New administration
"The call for transparency in cases like that of an unredacted judge and the need for a new administration to appoint an Attorney General committed to rooting out corruption and resetting the system were emphasized," Paxton added.
Organized crime
Paxton continued, "The individual highlighted the shift from the FBI's original purpose of tackling organized crime to being perceived as part of organized crime itself, funded by taxpayers. The sentiment conveyed a deep distrust and a plea for a reset in the agency's operations to eliminate corruption and restore integrity."
Alternative approach
In response, Bannon said, 'Do you share my perspective that President Trump's initiative for urban renewal in Washington DC involves the construction of a grand headquarters? I propose an alternative approach where we dismantle the existing building completely, akin to the Romans destroying Carthage, and ensure no construction occurs in that space again."
Disbanding them
"As the Attorney General of the most influential state in the nation, do you believe it is necessary to start afresh by revoking their charter, which has remained unchanged for decades, and disbanding them?"
Rebuild the system
"In its place, a restructured federal law enforcement agency could collaborate with state Attorney Generals, prosecutors, and local attorneys to rebuild the system. Would you support this course of action?" Bannon asked.
Current state
Paxton responded, "The current state of affairs suggests that having no system in place would be more favorable than the existing setup. Instead of focusing on combating crime, these organizations are perceived as political entities targeting individuals like us."
Starting from scratch
"Hence, starting from scratch seems essential, given the deep-rooted corruption and the extent to which it has been entrenched over the years. This calls for a complete overhaul to address the pervasive issues and rebuild a system based on integrity and accountability."
