Why is the FBI Building Still Named After J. Edgar Hoover?

Written by Joe Marzo

Introduction

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a key part of American law enforcement, dedicated to upholding the law and protecting the nation. However, the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. is named after J. Edgar Hoover, a figure whose legacy is controversial. Hoover, the FBI's first and longest-serving director from 1935 to 1972, played a significant role in shaping the agency. Despite his contributions to modernizing the FBI, his tenure was marked by numerous abuses of power and ethical breaches. As we learn more about Hoover's misconduct, we must ask: why does the FBI building still bear his name?

The Dark Legacy of J. Edgar Hoover

Hoover's legacy is a mix of achievements and serious misconduct. He is credited with modernizing the FBI and making it a powerful force against crime. However, his actions also included significant violations of civil liberties.

COINTELPRO and Political Repression

One of Hoover's most controversial initiatives was the Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO). This covert program aimed to surveil, infiltrate, discredit, and disrupt domestic political organizations. COINTELPRO targeted a variety of groups, including civil rights organizations and left-wing activists.

The Civil Rights Movement was a major target. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. were subjected to intense surveillance and harassment. The FBI tried to discredit King, even sending him an anonymous letter urging him to commit suicide. The Black Panther Party also faced severe FBI actions, including disinformation and provocations that led to violent confrontations and the deaths of leaders like Fred Hampton.

Illegal Surveillance and Wiretapping

Hoover's FBI extensively used illegal surveillance and wiretapping to gather information on perceived enemies. This included political figures, public personalities, and ordinary citizens. Hoover kept secret files on many influential people, including presidents and senators, which contained potentially compromising information. This information was often used for manipulation or blackmail, extending Hoover's influence.

Ordinary citizens with dissenting views or political activism were also targeted, often without substantial evidence. These actions violated Fourth Amendment rights and created a climate of fear, suppressing free speech and political expression.

Manipulation of the Justice System

Hoover's control over the FBI allowed him to manipulate the justice system. The FBI sometimes fabricated evidence or used false testimony to convict those Hoover deemed threats. He also protected allies, regardless of their criminal activities. This undermined the rule of law and further entrenched Hoover's power.

Racial Discrimination and Neglect

Hoover's tenure was marked by racial discrimination. Despite widespread violence against African Americans, particularly in the South, Hoover's FBI was often slow to act. He was more concerned with potential communist influences within the civil rights movement than with addressing actual violence and discrimination. This racial bias influenced the FBI's priorities, damaging the agency's credibility and commitment to justice.

Hoover also aggressively targeted African American leaders and organizations, often labeling them as communist threats without substantial evidence. This selective targeting and neglect contributed to the systemic racism within the FBI during his tenure.

Persecution of LGBTQ+ Individuals

Hoover's FBI actively persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals, playing a significant role in the "Lavender Scare," which aimed to remove LGBTQ+ individuals from government positions.

The FBI compiled lists of suspected homosexuals, leading to their dismissal and public shaming. Entrapment tactics were used to prosecute LGBTQ+ individuals, further stigmatizing and criminalizing their existence. These actions fostered a culture of fear and intolerance, marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals and denying them basic rights.

Presidents Who Tried to Remove Hoover

Hoover's immense power and influence made him a difficult figure to remove, despite several presidents considering it.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

President Franklin D. Roosevelt valued Hoover's anti-communist stance but became wary of his growing influence. Despite concerns, Roosevelt retained Hoover, recognizing his effective use of information during World War II.

Harry S. Truman

President Harry S. Truman was suspicious of Hoover, referring to the FBI under Hoover as a "Gestapo." Truman was aware of Hoover's secret dossiers and surveillance but chose not to remove him, possibly fearing political fallout and personal repercussions.

John F. Kennedy

President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, had a contentious relationship with Hoover. They were concerned about his reluctance to investigate organized crime and his disregard for civil rights. Despite their frustrations, JFK did not remove Hoover, likely due to Hoover's entrenched power.

Lyndon B. Johnson

President Lyndon B. Johnson had a complex relationship with Hoover. Johnson valued Hoover's anti-communist efforts but was also aware of his manipulative tactics. Hoover's secret files contained potentially damaging information on many political figures, deterring Johnson from removing him.

Richard Nixon

President Richard Nixon admired Hoover's hardline stance on law and order but also feared his power. Nixon knew of Hoover's extensive surveillance network and secret files, seeing Hoover as both an ally and a threat. Nixon's reluctance to remove Hoover was due to his understanding of Hoover's ability to gather and wield sensitive information.

Hoover's Secret Files

Hoover's secret files contained personal and potentially damaging information about politicians, celebrities, and other influential figures. These dossiers included details on personal habits, political activities, and financial information, allowing Hoover to exert immense control and maintain his position despite controversies. The FBI's resources were heavily invested in creating and updating these files, diverting attention from legitimate law enforcement activities.

Ignoring Organized Crime

Hoover largely ignored the threat posed by organized crime. Despite evidence of the Mafia's extensive criminal activities, Hoover denied the existence of a nationwide criminal syndicate. Some speculate that Hoover's reluctance to pursue organized crime investigations stemmed from potential threats or blackmail by organized crime figures, ensuring he kept the FBI's focus elsewhere.

The Case for Renaming the FBI Building

The name of the FBI headquarters should reflect the agency's commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. Given Hoover's legacy of abuse and discrimination, it is time to reconsider this honor. Renaming the building would be a symbolic act of reparation, acknowledging the pain and injustice inflicted by Hoover's policies and actions.

Renaming the building would also signal the FBI's commitment to civil liberties, justice, and equality. It would distance the institution from a legacy of abuse and align it more closely with the values it aims to protect. This act would promote accountability, ensuring that history does not repeat itself, and inspire future generations of law enforcement officers and the public to uphold the ideals of integrity, justice, and service.

Conclusion

The naming of the FBI headquarters after J. Edgar Hoover is a relic of a bygone era that fails to reflect contemporary values of justice, equality, and accountability. Given Hoover's legacy of abuse and discrimination, it is time to reconsider this honor. Renaming the FBI building would be a symbolic act of reparation, aligning the institution more closely with democratic values it is supposed to support.

References

Books:

• Enemies: A History of the FBI by Tim Weiner

• The FBI and Martin Luther King, Jr.: From "Solo" to Memphis by David J. Garrow

• J. Edgar Hoover: The Man and the Secrets by Curt Gentry

Articles:

• "The FBI's War on Black America" by Michael Scholl, The Nation

• "The Secret History of J. Edgar Hoover" by Richard Hack, Time Magazine

• "The Real Legacy of J. Edgar Hoover" by Beverly Gage, The New York Times

Documentaries:

• MLK/FBI (2020), directed by Sam Pollard

• The FBI's War on Black America (1990), directed by Denis Mueller and Deb Ellis

• COINTELPRO 101 (2010), produced by the Freedom Archives

Government and Institutional Reports:

• FBI Records: The Vault – J. Edgar Hoover

• U.S. Senate: Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities (Church Committee) Report

Websites:

• The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute

• The National Archives: FBI Records

• The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - FBI