WASHINGTON — FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced his resignation effective at the conclusion of President Joe Biden’s administration, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Wray, who was nominated by Trump in 2017, stated that his decision was made to ensure the FBI remains focused and independent during the political transition.
“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 in a statement to FBI employees. He underscored his dedication to the agency’s mission and principles, saying, “Our adherence to independence, objectivity, and the rule of law must never change.”
Trump, who has been critical of Wray for his handling of key investigations, including the 2022 FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, plans to nominate Kash Patel as the next FBI director. Patel is a close ally of Trump and has vowed to prioritize restoring “law and order and integrity at the FBI.”
Deputy Director Paul Abbate will serve as acting FBI director until Patel’s confirmation. Wray’s resignation marks the end of a contentious tenure during which the FBI often found itself at the center of political controversies.
