Special Poll
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his position, choosing to resign ahead of President Trump’s anticipated plans to dismiss him.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided the best course of action for the Bureau is to remain in my role until the end of the current administration in January, and then step aside,” Wray told colleagues during a town hall meeting. He emphasized his commitment to preserving the agency’s focus on its mission, stating, “My goal is to keep our attention on the indispensable work being done for the American people every day. This approach will help avoid further politicization of the Bureau while upholding the values and principles central to our work.”
Trump has nominated Kash Patel to succeed Wray, signaling his intent to bring new leadership to the FBI. Patel’s selection has stirred controversy, with concerns arising over his alignment with Trump’s calls for retribution. Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 after the dismissal of James Comey, has often highlighted the importance of the FBI’s commitment to “doing the right thing in the right way,” a message he has reiterated both to lawmakers and Bureau staff during a period of heightened scrutiny.
Wray has led the FBI through challenging times, navigating criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers, who have accused the agency of unfairly targeting conservatives. This includes ongoing disputes over the handling of the 2016 Trump campaign investigation, which took place before Wray assumed his role. Despite these criticisms, Wray has consistently stressed the importance of integrity and impartiality in the agency’s work.
During his resignation announcement, Wray expressed his deep affection for the FBI, stating, “This decision was not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love the people I’ve been privileged to work with. My focus remains on doing what’s right for the FBI.” His departure marks the most significant resignation ahead of Trump’s inauguration, underscoring the ongoing transitions within key government roles.