Trump Admin Ousts Top FBI Officials, Including Ex-Acting Director, Without Explanation

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 03:47 IST

In a farewell note to his team, Driscoll confirmed his departure.

Kash Patel has publicly voiced frustrations over what he calls the “politicisation” of the bureau (Image/X)

The Trump administration has abruptly fired several high-ranking FBI officials, including former acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll, without offering any formal explanation, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

Driscoll briefly served as the acting director of the FBI in the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, before Kash Patel officially took over the role. His removal has raised eyebrows within the intelligence community, particularly given his recent resistance to political pressure.

Driscoll had previously made headlines for pushing back against a directive from the Justice Department demanding the names of FBI agents who had worked on cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot. “This request encompasses thousands of employees across the country who have supported these investigative efforts," Driscoll wrote in a memo at the time. “I am one of those employees."

In addition to Driscoll, other senior officials removed from their posts include Steven Jensen, the acting director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Walter Giardina, a special agent who was involved in the investigation of former Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro.

Sources told CBS News that the affected officials have been instructed to vacate their offices by Friday, though no official reason has been given for their sudden dismissals.

A source close to the matter told Fox News that further ousters could occur by the end of the week, although the number of additional personnel expected to be removed remains unclear. Another insider described the recent wave of dismissals as “retribution."

Kash Patel, now the FBI director, and his deputy Dan Bongino have both publicly voiced frustrations over what they call the “politicisation" of the bureau under the Biden administration. In recent months, the agency has seen an internal shake-up, with several top officials either asked to resign or subjected to polygraph tests, according to The Guardian.

In a farewell note to his team, obtained by NBC News, Driscoll confirmed his departure. “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," he wrote.

He ended the note with a message of gratitude and solidarity. “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," he said.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 08, 2025, 03:47 IST

News world Trump Admin Ousts Top FBI Officials, Including Ex-Acting Director, Without Explanation

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