FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday that he will resign in January, before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, said in remarks to FBI employees that he had made the decision after "weeks of careful thought." He plans to serve through the end of the current administration and step down in January.
Trump, set to be sworn in on January 20, has nominated his loyalist, Kash Patel, to replace Wray as head of the FBI. Trump welcomed Wray’s resignation, calling it "a great day for America," citing his dissatisfaction with Wray’s leadership, especially following the FBI's raid of his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022. The raid, conducted to recover classified documents, led to Trump’s indictment for mishandling government materials, although the case was later dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge.
Wray, who had three years remaining on his 10-year term, faced possible removal by Trump. In his resignation statement, Wray emphasized the importance of the FBI's independence, saying stepping down would help avoid further politicization. "We’ve got to maintain our independence and objectivity," he stated, reinforcing the bureau's need to remain "above partisanship and politics."
Patel, Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, is known for his strong criticism of the agency and his views on an alleged anti-Trump "deep state." He has written a book on the subject and served in key roles during Trump’s first term, including as national security advisor and Pentagon official.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Patel, calling him the "most qualified nominee" to lead the FBI and expressing confidence in his ability to restore "Law, Order, and Justice" in the country.
Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray's leadership, commending his "principled leadership" and dedication to protecting the FBI’s independence and integrity in its investigations, which Garland stressed is vital to preserving the rule of law.