FBI director Wray to step down before Trump's return to power

FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced that he will resign ahead of President Donald J. Trump's inauguration. President-elect Trump had made it clear that he was planning on firing Wray when he announced that Kash Patel was his choice to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Trump's dissatisfaction with the FBI was a major issue during the campaign. Under Wray's leadership, the FBI investigated traditional Catholics, parents who spoke out at local school board meetings, and other groups targeted by the Biden Administration. The FBI's raid on Trump's home at Mar-o-Lago in Florida as part of the mishandling of documents case. Trump was charged with numerous felonies in this and the January 6, 2021 insurrection investigation. The documents case was dismissed by a the court and the DOJ asked that the insurrection case be dismissed following Trump's electoral college landslide win on November 5. The FBI also plotted with Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans in the Russia investigation – which was eventually proven to be a hoax created by the Democrats.

"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," said FBI Director Wray. "My goal is to keep the focus on our mission. ... In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work."

Since early 1970s congressional reforms were put in place, FBI directors are appointed to 10-year terms. Prior to that J. Edgar Hoover served for 48 years until his death. Only two have been fired. President Barack H. Obama (D) fired the director that he inherited, and President Trump fired James Comey. Wray was Trump's pick to replace Comey. Trump's move to name former Department of Justice Attorney Kash Patel, a loyalist and FBI critic, as the FBI director goes against tradition.

Trump will be inaugurated on January 20.

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