Trump's FBI overhaul begins as Acting Director Brian Driscoll puts 'untouchable' feds on notice: former agent
Share and Follow


President Donald Trump has promised to usher in a new era in America’s top investigative unit — the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) — with day one changes being implemented as key senior roles were reassigned.

The agency’s shakeup began when former FBI Director Christopher Wray, who was nominated by Trump in his first administration, announced last month that he would step down from his post. Hours before Trump was sworn in, acting director Paul Abbate similarly stepped down.

The Associated Press reported, citing a person familiar with the matter, that the longtime head of the Justice Department’s office of international affairs, Bruce Swartz, was reassigned along with as many as 20 other staffers. 

On Monday, the White House announced Brian Discoll as acting director of the FBI. Driscoll’s time as acting director will presumably end when Kashyap “Kash” Patel is confirmed as the FBI’s next director by the U.S. Senate.

Throughout former President Biden’s term, the FBI was entangled in repeated scandals, prompting President Trump to promise to root out corruption in the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Discroll, a veteran of the agency, joined in 2007, according to a statement on the White House’s website. Robert Kissane, the top counterterrorism agent in New York, will serve as acting deputy director, the White House said.

Prior to being appointed as acting director, Discroll most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Newark Field Office. He also previously served as the commander of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Critical Incident Response Group’s (CIRG) Tactical Section chief.

“I think it’s good for the FBI, for somebody who has such an amazing background with tactical experience and HRT,” retired FBI agent Scott Duffey told Fox News Digital. “It’s a tall order, and I wish him well.”

Before his career in the FBI, he was a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the agency said in a release. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Villanova University and a master’s degree in public policy and international relations from Pepperdine University.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI and the Department of Justice for comment.

Fox News’ Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Hamas hands over another Israeli hostage's remains as Gaza ceasefire exchanges continue

Breaking: Hamas Releases Israeli Hostage Remains Amidst Ongoing Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

On Tuesday, Hamas handed over a coffin containing the remains of an…
Kim Kardashian dazzles with sisters at mom Kris' 70th birthday bash

Kim Kardashian Steals the Spotlight at Kris Jenner’s Glamorous 70th Birthday Celebration with Sisters

Kim Kardashian joined her sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner in adding a…
FDNY firefighter Patrick Brady killed battling five-alarm blaze in Brooklyn

Tragic Loss: FDNY Firefighter Patrick Brady Dies in Intense Brooklyn Blaze

A New York City firefighter tragically lost his life while combating a…
Hilary Duff addresses rumored feud with sister Haylie

Hilary Duff Breaks Silence on Alleged Rift with Sister Haylie

Hilary Duff recently opened up about “family drama,” addressing longstanding fan speculation…
Melodee Buzzard's mom switched license plates on trip: Officials

Officials Report: Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Allegedly Swaps License Plates During Road Trip

Fresh developments have emerged in the search for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who…
Female fire chief wins $1.7m sexism payout over sunglasses complaints

Trailblazing Female Fire Chief Secures $1.7M Settlement in Landmark Sexism Case Over Sunglasses Dispute

In a striking case of workplace discrimination, a female fire chief has…
Farmers’ Almanac to end publication after more than 200 years

Farmers’ Almanac Concludes Publication After Over Two Centuries of Service

The iconic Farmers’ Almanac is set to conclude its publication journey with…