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(NewsNation) — FBI Director Christopher Wray announced that he is stepping down as FBI director at the end of the current administration.
Wray announced his plan to leave his role at a town hall meeting for FBI employees. He said his goal is to maintain focus on the agency’s mission and that stepping down is the best way for him to avoid drawing the FBI into political division.
“After weeks of careful consideration, I have decided that the right thing for the Bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down. My goal is to stay focused on our mission—the indispensable work you do on behalf of the American people every day. In my opinion, this is the best way to avoid dragging the agency deeper into the fray while strengthening the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work,” he said he.
The move paves the way for President-elect Donald Trump to appoint a new director. Trump has previously announced plans to nominate Kash Patel for the role.
Wray’s term as director was not supposed to end until 2027, but Trump has repeatedly said he would fire Wray, citing the agency’s involvement in executing a search warrant for classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Trump has repeatedly referred to the incident as a raid.
“Looking at where the threats are headed, it’s clear that the importance of our work — keeping Americans safe and upholding the Constitution — will not change. And what absolutely cannot, must not change, is our commitment to doing the right thing, the right way, every time, our adherence to our core values, our dedication to independence and objectivity, and our defense of the rule of law – the fundamental aspects of who we are must never change,” said Wray. “That is the real strength of the FBI – the importance of our mission, the quality of our people and their dedication to service above themselves. It is an unshakable foundation that has stood the test of time and cannot be easily moved. And that – you, the men and women of the FBI – are the reason the agency will endure and remain successful long into the future.”
Wray has faced grilling from House Republicans who have accused him of politicizing the agency. Wray was himself appointed by Trump to replace former FBI Director James Comey, but Trump lashed out at him after the Justice Department began investigating the former president after he left office.
This is a development story. Check back for more details.
