In March, the FBI saw a record number of new agent applications, with 5,577 submitted, nearly doubling the monthly average since 2016.

This surge is attributed to Director Kash Patel’s leadership, with the monthly average in 2023 at 2,797 applications and 3,383 in 2024. FBI spokesman Ben Williamson credited Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino for prioritizing law enforcement confidence and recruitment.

Since January, the FBI has received over 10,000 applications, including 4,143 in January, marking the first time since 2020 that the bureau reached the 4,000s. Patel’s advisor, Erica Knight, stated that the influx reflects public trust in Patel’s efforts to restore integrity and effectiveness at the FBI.

Patel’s emphasis on rebuilding the FBI’s reputation, alongside a focused recruitment campaign, is seen as key to reversing the “erosion of trust” highlighted during his Senate confirmation hearing in January.