Acting FBI Director Resists Trump's Orders Amid Jan. 6 Probe

Brian Driscoll, the acting FBI Director, has resisted a Department of Justice order to remove agents involved in the investigation of the January 6 Capitol riot, following the dismissal of eight prosecutors tasked with the case. Driscoll's memo to staff highlighted his commitment to uphold FBI policies and the law, despite pressure to submit names of involved agents. Meanwhile, Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee for the FBI director position, publicly distanced himself from Trump's pardons of January 6 rioters, asserting there should be no tolerance for violence against law enforcement. Patel emphasized his intent to restore public trust in the FBI and stated he would not support retributive actions against political adversaries. In his confirmation hearing, Patel also expressed opposition to a proposed warrant requirement for querying data on U.S. persons under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, arguing it would hinder national security efforts. Democratic senators have raised concerns about Patel's views, indicating a potential clash over civil liberties and FBI reform.