Trump Fires Former Acting FBI Director Who Stonewalled Admin Over J6

Former Acting Director Brian Driscoll is one of three FBI officials being let go as of Friday. No official reasons have been given for the firings, though a number of sources have tied them to the roles those officials played during the January 6th investigations.

MSNBC’s Ken Dilanian cited an anonymous “source directly familiar” and claimed that Driscoll’s ouster was directly related to his refusal to carry out an order from then Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who instructed him to compile a list of all agents — current and former — who had ever been assigned to cases related to January 6th.

“Brian Driscoll, the former acting FBI director who refused to carry out Trump administration plans for mass firing of J6 agents, is being forced out of the bureau, according to a source directly familiar,” he posted.

Brian Driscoll, the former acting FBI director who refused to carry out Trump administration plans for mass firing of J6 agents, is being forced out of the bureau, according to a source directly familiar.

— Ken Dilanian (@DilanianMSNBC) August 7, 2025

Several hours later, Dilanian added an update including a statement from “Drizz” (Driscoll).

“Drizz sent a message to colleagues: ‘Last night I was informed that tomorrow will be my last day in the FBI. I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I currently have no answers. No cause has been articulated at this time. Please know that it has been the honor of my life to serve alongside each of you. Thank you for allowing me to stand on your shoulders throughout it all. Our collective sacrifices for those we serve is, and will always be, worth it. I regret nothing. You are my heroes, and I remain in your debt.'”

Drizz sent a message to colleagues:

“Last night I was informed that tomorrow will be my last day in the FBI. I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I currently have no answers. No cause has been articulated at this time.
Please know that it… https://t.co/84tjMOADLy

— Ken Dilanian (@DilanianMSNBC) August 7, 2025

The other two officials who were let go were Walter Giardina — who played a role in the investigation of former Trump trade official Peter Navarro — and Steve Jensen, who served as Acting Director of the Washington Field Office and was directly involved in the January 6th investigations.

Critics from legacy media — and many on social media — are accusing the FBI of conducting a “purge,” while others are pointing out the fact that the FBI Director can make personnel decisions as he sees fit — and if Driscoll did, in fact, ignore a lawful order, that could have played into the decision.