FBI Director Wray to resign before Trump returns
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FBI Director Christopher Wray is reportedly preparing for an early departure ahead of Donald Trump’s return to office, anticipating dismissal similar to William Sessions’s removal by President Clinton in 1993.
According to FBI insiders speaking to the Washington Times, Wray intends to leave on his own terms before the inauguration. His departure will temporarily place FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate at the helm, who originally planned to remain until summer 2025 to assist with leadership transition.
🚨FBI Director Chris Wray expected to resign on or before Trump’s inauguration after raiding his house and indicting him
He tried to stop Trump, but failed
Now the hunters become the hunted after weaponizing our justice system pic.twitter.com/m6XMU5ilkt
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) December 10, 2024
The FBI issued a statement to the Times highlighting their commitment to Congressional oversight and transparency. Last April, Wray expressed to NBC News his enjoyment of the position and desire to continue serving while adhering to established protocols.
However, Trump’s recent nomination of former National Security Council official Kash Patel as FBI director signaled Wray’s limited future. In a Sunday interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction, citing the Mar-a-Lago search as a primary grievance.
“I can’t say I’m thrilled with him,” Trump told Welker. “He invaded my home. I’m suing the country over it. He invaded Mar-a-Lago. I’m very unhappy with the things he’s done.”
“I have a lot of respect for the FBI, but the FBI’s respect has gone way down over the last number of years,” added Trump.
Senator Chuck Grassley’s recent 11-page letter criticized Wray’s leadership, citing failures in congressional oversight compliance and whistleblower protection. Grassley highlighted concerns including alleged disparate treatment in investigating Biden versus Trump, questionable raid decisions, and inadequate responses to record requests.
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Trump and Comer have called for Wray to resign and accuse him of lying to Congress pic.twitter.com/IAvtgT3sUO
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) July 26, 2024
“Rather than turn over a new leaf at the FBI, you’ve continued to read from the old playbook of weaponization, double standards, and a relentless game of hide-and-seek with the Congress,” wrote Grassley. “Promises made, promises broken has become a recurrent theme under your leadership.”
“For the good of the country, it’s time for you and your deputy to move on to the next chapter in your lives,” wrote Grassley. “President-elect Trump has already announced his intention to nominate a candidate to replace you, and the Senate will carefully consider that choice. For my part, I’ve also seen enough, and hope your respective successors will learn from these failures.”
FBI sources suggest Wray’s departure was expected following Kamala Harris’s defeat, with one insider noting Wray’s likely desire to avoid a dismissal similar to Comey’s, predicting Trump would eagerly terminate his position.
