
Brian Driscoll’s rise to the top of the F.B.I. wasn’t exactly planned—it was more like a happy accident. On January 20, a mix-up on the White House website mistakenly listed him as the acting director. Instead of correcting the error, Driscoll stepped into the role and hasn’t looked back since.
Since taking the reins, Driscoll has become a hero to many within the bureau. He’s pushed back against pressure from Justice Department officials who wanted to single out agents involved in investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. Instead of handing over names, Driscoll stood his ground, insisting on a fair review process. His defiance has earned him widespread admiration from both current and former F.B.I. employees.
But it’s not just his actions that have made him a standout. Driscoll’s unique personality and appearance have sparked a wave of memes and satirical videos. Known affectionately as “Drizz” among friends, his bushy mustache and long curls have become internet gold. One meme imagines him as a saint holding the F.B.I. handbook, while another asks, “What Would Drizz Do?” A fan-made video even casts him as Batman, taking on a fictional government agency.
In a time of uncertainty and tension within the F.B.I., Driscoll’s leadership has brought a rare sense of unity and even humor. For an accidental director, he’s proving to be exactly what the bureau needs right now.