WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI, announced his decision to resign during a town hall meeting with FBI personnel on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
The move comes just weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who had been expected to remove Wray from his position to appoint Kash Patel as his successor.
In a statement shared with FBI employees, Wray explained his decision, emphasising the importance of preserving the Bureau’s mission and integrity during a politically turbulent period.
“After weeks of careful thought, I’ve decided the right thing for the Bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current Administration in January and then step down,” Wray said, according to excerpts provided by the FBI.
He continued, “This is not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.”
Wray highlighted the enduring importance of the Bureau’s commitment to independence, objectivity, and the rule of law, urging his colleagues to remain steadfast in their dedication to these principles.
Trump’s Reaction
Former President Donald Trump, whose previous criticisms of Wray were well-documented, reacted to the resignation on Truth Social, describing it as a “great day for America.”
“We will now restore the Rule of Law for all Americans,” Trump wrote, accusing Wray of misusing the FBI’s authority during his tenure.
Trump also endorsed his nominee, Kash Patel, as “the most qualified Nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency’s History.”
The former president reiterated his support for the FBI’s rank-and-file employees while criticising the Bureau’s leadership under Wray, saying, “They want to see these changes every bit as much as I do.”
A Contentious Tenure
Wray’s tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly concerning the FBI’s investigations into Trump’s conduct, including the raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence and subsequent federal indictments.
His resignation follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, James Comey, whom Trump fired in 2017 over the handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation.
Trump’s criticism of Wray and the Department of Justice has been central to his campaign rhetoric, as he promised to “end the Weaponisation” of the FBI under his administration.
Looking Ahead
Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee to replace Wray, is expected to face a contentious confirmation process.
A close ally of Trump, Patel is known for his work on the House Intelligence Committee and has been a vocal critic of the FBI’s handling of investigations into Trump.
Wray has yet to make a formal public announcement about his resignation, but excerpts of his remarks and confirmation from FBI sources indicate that his departure will occur at the conclusion of President Joe Biden’s administration in January.
As the FBI transitions to new leadership under the incoming Trump administration, the challenges of maintaining the Bureau’s independence and mission will remain central to the agency’s future.
