Hearings held by the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government are often a mix of intriguing, frustrating, infuriating, and sometimes even amusing moments. Wednesday’s session followed that same pattern.
The hearing focused on examining how the FBI allegedly used its security clearance process to remove conservatives and whistleblowers, punishing those who held views opposing the agency’s leadership.
Key witnesses included DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, Empower Oversight President Tristan Leavitt, FBI whistleblower Marcus Allen, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn Kirschner.
Marcus Allen, a former FBI Staff Operations Specialist, has been at the center of controversy. He faced retaliation from the agency after raising concerns about some of its practices.
Allen testified before the subcommittee in May 2023 and, in June 2024, reached a settlement with the FBI, which acknowledged his claims. However, his awarded back pay has yet to be distributed.
Allen’s ordeal has been intense. Empower Oversight, in a letter to Subcommittee Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH), recently highlighted how Allen was mocked for his religious beliefs.
According to the letter, Deputy Assistant Director Veltri allegedly suggested Allen was “delusional” for citing his devout Catholic faith as a reason for whistleblowing, implying his Christian beliefs were grounds for revoking his access to classified information.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Allen addressed the subcommittee, speaking not only about his experience but also about the attacks on his faith.
Rather than backing down, he emphasized his commitment to his beliefs, showing resilience in the face of mockery.
WATCH:
His testimony was compelling, and Allen was visibly emotional as he delivered it, demonstrating his resolve to stand firm despite the challenges he’s faced.
Here is a bit of his incredible testimony:
Despite the stress and uncertainty, I have never once regretted standing up for truth. In fact, I am actually grateful for the experience. If you do not worship God, then you will worship something else. You can either serve God or you can serve mammon, but you cannot serve both.
While we lost material items, we gained more important things. We have stored up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20). Our faith has increased, and we have seen the hand of God move in our lives in unexpected ways. What we have gained has far outweighed what was lost.
John Adams noted that the framework of our country was built for a moral and religious people and unfit for the governance of any other. James Madison notes the duty to honor God is precedent both in order of time and degree of obligation to the claims of civil society. Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the universe.
I recently learned about comments made by Mr. Jeffrey Veltri suggesting I was delusional for believing in and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. Mr. Veltri currently serves as Special Agent in Charge of the Miami field office, but at the time he was an executive at Security Division, overseeing security clearance decisions. I’d like to address Mr. Veltri. Sir, you may disparage and insult me if you wish, but you should not mock God. It is an insult to the infinite dignity of God Who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and bad for the health of your soul (Matthew 12:31).
But this is not about me. It’s much bigger than that. I am hopeful the truth of what happened will be fully revealed and deter the FBI from doing the same injustice to others.
While I would not wish this harm on anyone else, I must plead with other employees who have witnessed wrongdoing that they find courage to speak up. You are not alone, nor will you ever be. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalms 139:5-7) I have been blessed to be supported by God’s grace, men and women of goodwill, other whistleblowers, the charity of the American people, many prayers, and great attorneys along the way, such as Tristan Leavitt and Jason Foster of Empower Oversight.
Potential whistleblowers: please do not be silenced by the FBI’s mistreatment. We are all here to support you if you choose to come forward. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Equally important is the awareness and involvement of the American people.
Throughout the hearing, Allen maintained his composure and calmly responded to questions, even those posed sourly by Democrats.
Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) noted the continued efforts of the Democrats to focus all energy on Donald Trump and “Project 2025” while steadfastly ignoring the outright persecution of Allen and others under the current administration.
He then invited Allen to share any additional comments, to which Allen replied:
“Yes, sir. I would just say that I consider the hearing today my last act of service as a public servant for the United States of America, and I’ll give you my professional opinion. I was an intel professional for our country for many years, and I would give recommendations and I would also look at indications and warnings. So, I would offer this to the American people as my warning to them:
“This is a warning — to the American people, I say: I personally have no confidence that the FBI will rein in its own conduct. I have been persecuted, along with Garret (O’Boyle), Steve (Friend) and Kyle (Seraphin), and countless other whistleblowers. It is my opinion that the Bureau used reprisal and fear to control the workforce. It has been a seemingly effective tactic.
“I personally believe that there are no current, effective checks and balances against them conducting lawless action with any type of correction in a legitimate timeframe. I welcome the work of the IG, but I think any type of lawless action, there’s no legitimate timeframe to rein them back in. Their ability to over-classify information can allow them to stonewall forever.
“To the American people, you have a duty as a citizen to vote, and I strongly urge you to do so. It’s how you participate in the American experience. I know people have doubts about election integrity, but you must vote — it is your claim. Stake your claim, and don’t forfeit it willingly. Have your voice heard.
“My other recommendations are in the natural order: First, vote. The second is the Second Amendment — arm yourself and know how to defend yourself. Make three to four friends in your neighborhood and promise to come to each other’s mutual aid in times of hardship. And during the Great Depression, people stocked up a pantry. So, I think that’s a good practice, especially in our economic times, to make sure you have three to four months of food. As a person of faith, I’d say pray the rosary, go to the First Friday devotions — that’s for everybody, all my brothers and sisters of all faiths, and I know I’m Catholic — and read the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and live it every day.”
