FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday that he plans to resign in January, just prior to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
"After careful consideration, I believe it is in the best interest of the bureau for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down," Wray stated in remarks shared with FBI employees.
Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, has seen his relationship with the incoming president deteriorate over time. Although he had three years left in his 10-year term, the prospect of being dismissed by Trump loomed as the new administration approached.
In a recent interview on "Meet the Press," Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Wray's tenure, particularly referencing the FBI's 2022 raid on his Florida residence to recover classified documents. "He invaded my home," Trump remarked.
Senator Chuck Grassley, a prominent Republican, commended Wray's decision to resign, having urged him just days prior to step down for the country’s benefit. Grassley stated, “Wray’s departure presents an opportunity for a new era of transparency and accountability at the FBI. Future directors should learn from Wray’s missteps, as avoiding Congress, breaking promises, and ignoring whistleblowers will no longer be acceptable.”
In his address to FBI staff, Wray emphasized that his resignation would prevent further entanglement of the bureau in political controversies while affirming the agency's core values. "Our mission to safeguard Americans and uphold the Constitution remains paramount," he said. "What must not change is our commitment to doing what is right, in the right way, every time."
Wray reiterated the importance of the FBI's core principles, including independence, objectivity, and the rule of law.
Patel, a former adviser to Trump and Pentagon official, has been a vocal critic of the FBI and is known for his controversial stance on alleged bias within the government. He has written about what he describes as an anti-Trump "deep state."
As the son of Indian immigrants, Patel held several high-ranking positions during Trump's presidency, including national security advisor and chief of staff to the acting defense secretary. In announcing Patel's nomination last month, Trump praised him as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' advocate dedicated to exposing corruption and protecting the American people."