FBI Director Kash Patel has terminated an agent-in-training for displaying a gay pride flag on his desk during a 2023 assignment in California, according to a report. The trainee, who previously served as an FBI support specialist in Los Angeles, received a letter dated October 1 from Patel stating that the display constituted an “improper political message” and violated workplace policies.

The letter cited President Donald Trump’s Article II powers as justification for the dismissal, a rationale used in recent federal agency firings. The termination occurred on the first day of a nationwide government shutdown, creating uncertainty for federal employees. Patel emphasized the trainee’s “poor judgment” and noted his probationary status in the decision.

The fired agent had previously received an Attorney General’s Award in 2022 for his work. The incident coincides with the Trump administration’s “One Flag Policy,” which restricts federal buildings to a single flag—excluding rainbow symbols. The FBI did not respond to requests for comment, and the trainee has not been identified.

The dismissal follows threats by former President Donald Trump and White House official Russell Vought to remove federal employees during a government shutdown.