Trump's FBI purge: at odds, you're out — ex-acting chief and Jan. 6 agents fired in sweeping political shake-up, here's who's gone
Trump's FBI purge has shaken the nation, with three top officials — including former acting chief Brian Driscoll — fired in a sudden shake-up. The removals also hit Steven Jensen, ex-head of the Washington Field Office, and Walter Giardina, a key January 6 prosecutions agent. Reports say they clashed with the Trump administration over politically sensitive cases, especially the Capitol riot investigations. New FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Dan Bongino are leading this overhaul, which critics see as politically driven. Supporters call it a move to restore accountability, but questions remain over its impact on ongoing January 6 cases.
AP Trump's FBI purge has rocked the bureau, removing three senior officials — including a former acting director and key January 6 investigators — in one of the most dramatic shake-ups in recent years. The firings, led by new FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Dan Bongino, are seen by critics as a politically driven purge targeting those who clashed with the Trump administration over Capitol riot prosecutions. FBI has removed three senior officials — including its former acting director — in what sources call one of the most consequential leadership shake-ups in years. The move, seen by many as part of President Donald Trump's sweeping purge of those who clashed with his administration, has reignited a fierce debate over political influence inside the nation's top law enforcement agency. Among those forced out is Brian Driscoll, who served briefly as acting FBI director earlier this year. Multiple reports say Driscoll refused a Trump administration demand to hand over the names of agents involved in January 6 Capitol riot investigations. His departure is set for this Friday.
Also fired: Steven Jensen, the former head of the FBI's Washington Field Office, and Walter Giardina, a special agent tied to high-profile January 6 prosecutions — including the case against ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro. Insiders point to an aggressive overhaul led by newly installed FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The shake-up appears to target those seen as resistant to the administration's approach on politically sensitive cases, particularly the January 6 prosecutions. The White House has framed the removals as a bid to 'restore accountability' within the FBI. But critics warn the dismissals threaten the bureau's independence, fueling fears of politicized law enforcement.
The ouster of agents directly involved in Capitol riot cases has sparked concern that ongoing prosecutions could slow or even stall. Legal experts caution that such disruptions could have lasting effects on cases already in court. The FBI Agents Association has condemned the firings, calling them a dangerous precedent that undermines due process and risks damaging public trust. Sources suggest more terminations may follow, potentially reshaping the bureau's leadership in one of the largest politically influenced overhauls in FBI history. Inside the agency, current and former officials describe morale as 'unsettled' and 'deeply divided.'
The key question now: Will Trump's purge redirect the FBI's priorities — or fracture it even further?
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