In a dramatic shake-up at the FBI, the Trump administration has fired three senior officials tied to the Bureau’s investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot—a move widely interpreted as a political purge. Brian Driscoll, former acting FBI director, Steven Jensen, head of the Washington Field Office, and veteran Special Agent Walter Giardina were all dismissed, signaling a major shift in the Department of Justice’s stance under Trump’s second term.
Brian Driscoll, a 20-year FBI veteran, confirmed his termination in an internal email. He had recently clashed with DOJ leadership after refusing to release a full list of agents involved in the January 6 probe, citing concerns over the breadth and implications of the request. In his farewell, Driscoll called his colleagues “heroes” and said he had no regrets.
Steven Jensen, dismissed just four months after being appointed to lead the Washington Field Office, echoed Driscoll’s sentiments in his own farewell message, urging FBI staff to “continue to be bold and aggressive in the pursuit of justice.” His removal was expected by some Trump allies, who had long seen him as a leading force behind what they labeled the FBI’s “witch hunt” over January 6.
Walter Giardina, the third official fired, had prior involvement in the Mueller investigation and the controversial arrest of Trump adviser Peter Navarro—whom Trump allies have described as being unfairly targeted. Giardina’s role in these high-profile cases made him a frequent subject of criticism among Trump’s inner circle.
The FBI Agents Association condemned the dismissals, arguing that agents don’t get to choose their assignments and warning that politically motivated firings without due process undermine public safety. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) also denounced the move, calling it a “disturbing pattern of retaliation.”
While the Trump administration hasn’t publicly detailed its reasoning, the firings send a clear message: dissent or noncompliance with the administration’s agenda—particularly around the Capitol riot—will not be tolerated. With more dismissals anticipated, tensions between the FBI and the White House appear far from over.
