FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced his resignation, effective at the end of the Biden administration in January.
The decision, revealed during a town hall meeting with FBI employees in Washington, D.C., follows weeks of speculation and mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers and President-elect Donald Trump.
Wray, who has served as FBI director since 2017, stated that his decision was made after careful consideration. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of maintaining the FBI’s mission and integrity during the transition 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. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day.”
Wray acknowledged the challenges he faced as director, including criticism from both political parties. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to the FBI’s core values, highlighting the bureau’s dedication to independence, objectivity, and the rule of law. “What absolutely cannot, must not change is our commitment to doing the right thing, the right way, every time,” he stated.
The announcement follows public calls from Republican senators such as Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) for Wray’s replacement. These lawmakers have criticized Wray’s leadership, accusing him of politicizing the FBI and failing to ensure transparency and accountability.
Grassley commented on the resignation, saying, “Future FBI Directors ought to learn a lesson from Wray’s mistakes. Stonewalling Congress, breaking promises, applying double standards, and turning your back on whistleblowers is no longer going to cut it.”
President-elect Trump, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Wray, celebrated the resignation on his Truth Social platform, “The resignation of Christopher Wray is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice. I just don’t know what happened to him.”
Trump also accused Wray of overseeing an FBI that acted against him, saying, “Under the leadership of Christopher Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America.”
Trump has nominated Kash Patel, a staunch ally, to succeed Wray, signaling a shift in the bureau’s leadership.
Patel, a former National Security Council official, has expressed readiness to assume the role, stating, “I look forward to a very smooth transition at the FBI and I’ll be ready to go on day one.”
Trump has praised Patel as “the most qualified nominee to lead the FBI in the agency’s history.”
While Republicans have largely welcomed the change, several Democrats have expressed concern over Patel’s nomination.
The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) also issued a statement thanking Wray for his service and leadership. FBIAA President Natalie Bara noted, “Director Wray has led the Bureau through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe.”
Wray’s resignation marks the end of a tumultuous tenure, which began after his appointment by Trump in 2017 following the firing of James Comey. As Deputy Director Paul Abbate prepares to serve as acting director until Patel’s confirmation.