FBI Director Chris Wray will step down early next year, the agency announced Wednesday, following Republican President-elect Donald Trump's decision to replace him with Kash Patel, a
controversial figure known for his hardline views.
Wray, a Republican appointed by Trump in 2017, announced his intention to resign after weeks of deliberation, citing the best interests of the FBI. “After careful thought, I’ve decided to serve through the end of the current administration in January and then step down,” Wray told FBI employees, according to a bureau statement.
Patel, who has pledged sweeping changes to the FBI if confirmed, welcomed the nomination. “I look forward to a smooth transition and am ready to serve the American people on day one,” he said in a statement to Reuters.
Trump and Allies Turn on Wray
Once a Trump appointee, Wray faced increasing criticism from Trump and his allies, particularly after the FBI conducted a court-approved search of Trump’s Florida resort in 2022 to retrieve classified documents. The search led to one of two federal investigations against Trump during his time out of office, though neither went to trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the investigations politically motivated.
Critics, including Republican lawmakers, accused the FBI of political bias, despite no evidence that Democratic President Joe Biden influenced the agency’s investigations. Trump’s allies, including Senator Bill Hagerty, have called for significant reforms. “There are serious problems at the FBI. The American public expects sweeping change,” Hagerty said after Patel's nomination.
Wray’s Legacy and Challenges
Throughout his term, Wray maintained that he upheld the law impartially. In a 2023 congressional hearing, he rejected accusations of bias, pointing to his lifelong Republican affiliations. “The idea that I am biased against conservatives seems insane, given my personal background,” he said.
FBI directors are appointed for 10-year terms to ensure nonpartisan leadership. Wray’s term was set to expire in 2027, but Trump’s dissatisfaction with Wray’s leadership, particularly his handling of investigations into the 2016 Trump campaign, fueled efforts to replace him.
Wray urged FBI employees to remain focused on their mission. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing for the American people every day,” Wray said in his farewell address.
Patel’s Vision for the FBI
Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee to replace Wray, has little direct FBI experience, having spent three years at the Justice Department in its Counterterrorism Section. If confirmed by the Senate, Patel has vowed to shut down the FBI’s Washington headquarters and redefine its intelligence-gathering role.
Patel’s nomination aligns with Trump’s broader goal of reshaping the federal government and targeting his political adversaries. During his first term, Trump frequently considered replacing Wray but faced resistance from former Attorney General Bill Barr.
Key Investigations Under Wray’s Leadership
Wray oversaw significant reforms at the FBI, including changes to how the bureau secures Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants after the Justice Department’s inspector general criticized the FBI’s handling of its investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign, known as "Crossfire Hurricane."
The FBI also played a central role in investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. More than 1,500 individuals were charged for their involvement in the riot, which sought to overturn Biden’s election victory. Trump has pledged clemency for some January 6 defendants, though details remain unclear.
Beyond domestic challenges, Wray consistently warned of the national security threat posed by China, calling it the greatest economic and security risk to the United States.
A Career Spanning Law and Justice
Wray began his legal career in 1997 as a federal prosecutor in Georgia before leading the Justice Department’s Criminal Division under President George W. Bush. There, he oversaw post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts and the Enron Task Force. Before his appointment as FBI Director, Wray worked in private practice and clerked for Judge J. Michael Luttig after earning his law degree from Yale.
As Wray steps down, the FBI faces a pivotal moment, with Patel poised to lead significant changes to the storied agency. Photo by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wikimedia commons.
