The FBI on Saturday issued a statement regarding a senior official media reports say "forcefully resisted" the Trump administration's firings.
NBC News reported over the weekend that the purported official, Brian Driscoll, the acting FBI director and head of the bureau's Newark field office, "pushed back so aggressively that some feared he would be dismissed."
"Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll on Friday refused a Justice Department order that he assist in the firing of agents involved in Jan. 6 riot cases, pushing back so forcefully that some FBI officials feared he would be dismissed, multiple current and former FBI officials told NBC News," the report states.
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The outlet further notes, "The Justice Department ultimately did not dismiss Driscoll, the head of the bureau’s Newark field office who is temporarily serving as its acting director."
The FBI acknowledged the "rumors," according to Josh Gerstein, Sr. Legal Affairs Reporter at Politico.
"JUST IN: FBI seeks to quell 'rumors circulating' about FBI leadership including Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll," the reporter wrote. "Statement below."
In the statement provided by Gerstein, the FBI says, "We understand there are rumors circulating about FBI leadership, to include the acting director. We're providing the below to help clarify any questions."
"A/D Driscoll continues to serve in his role as Acting Director and remains committed to supporting the administration and ensuring a smooth transition to the incoming Director," according to the statement.
