WASHINGTON — According to multiple reports, several high-ranking officials at the FBI have been instructed to either resign or face dismissal, as the administration of President Donald Trump intensifies its efforts to overhaul federal law enforcement agencies.

CNN has reported that at least six senior FBI leaders were given until Monday to either retire, step down, or be terminated, while the Washington Post corroborated that numerous officials received this notification on Thursday.

The individuals affected reportedly include executive assistant directors and senior agents from field offices, including those responsible for overseeing national security and criminal investigations, many of whom were appointed by former FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Wray stepped down at the close of former President Joe Biden’s term. Trump had expressed a clear preference to replace Wray, whom he initially appointed during his earlier presidency, with Kash Patel, a trusted political associate.

On Monday, the Justice Department announced the termination of over a dozen attorneys who were instrumental in prosecuting Trump regarding the classified documents issue and the January 6 events, both of which were dropped after his reelection.

The notifications on Thursday reportedly coincided with Kash Patel’s testimony before senators during a confirmation hearing, where he was being considered to succeed Wray.

Despite Trump’s previous threats of retribution and the recent firings at the Justice Department, Patel assured senators, “All FBI employees will be shielded from political retaliation.”

Contributing: Joey Garrison