FBI Director Christopher Wray has officially announced his resignation ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term, citing the importance of preserving the FBI’s independence and preventing further political conflict.
Breitbart reported that Wray’s decision follows years of strained relations with Trump and significant criticism of his leadership during his tenure.
During a town hall with FBI personnel, as reported by *The Washington Post*, Wray revealed his intention to leave the agency on or before Trump’s inauguration.
Wray, who took over the role in 2017 following James Comey’s dismissal, stated that his resignation was aimed at safeguarding the FBI’s mission and its values. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” he told employees.
Wray acknowledged the emotional difficulty of his decision but emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the organization over personal or political considerations. He expressed deep admiration for the FBI, its mission, and its staff, affirming his commitment to doing what he believed was best for the bureau.
“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,” Wray explained, reflecting his belief in maintaining the integrity of the institution.
Reports from *The Washington Times* suggest that Wray’s decision was also influenced by concerns over the possibility of being fired by Trump.
An anonymous source claimed Wray would leave his post by or before the inauguration to preempt such a scenario.
President Trump has been openly critical of Wray throughout his tenure, with tensions escalating over several high-profile incidents. One particularly contentious issue arose when Wray publicly questioned the nature of what Trump described as an assassination attempt.
Wray’s suggestion that it was uncertain whether Trump was struck by a bullet or shrapnel drew sharp rebukes from the president.
Trump used his social media platform to express his dissatisfaction with Wray, accusing him of failing to prioritize issues such as national security and instead focusing on actions Trump deemed politically motivated.
On July 25, Trump wrote a scathing post on Truth Social, lambasting Wray’s leadership and claiming it contributed to a loss of public confidence in the FBI.
Trump alleged Wray was more interested in targeting Trump’s supporters and protecting “Radical Left Lunatics” than addressing pressing security concerns.
“No wonder the once storied FBI has lost the confidence of America!” Trump declared, underscoring his belief that Wray’s leadership had undermined the agency’s credibility.
Appointed in 2017, Wray inherited a bureau already embroiled in controversy following Comey’s dismissal. Over the years, his leadership has been both praised and criticized, with supporters highlighting his efforts to depoliticize the agency and critics accusing him of mishandling various high-profile investigations.
In his resignation announcement, Wray reiterated his dedication to the agency and its mission, stating, “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people.” His focus on preserving the FBI’s integrity and preventing further political entanglements has shaped his decision to step down.