FBI Director Christopher Wray will leave his post early next year, the bureau announced Wednesday.Image: CQ-Roll Call, Inc.
While Donald Trump had proclaimed his intention to fire him to replace him with a loyalist, Kash Patel, at the end of November, Christopher Wray took the lead and announced this Wednesday that he would resign before the next president takes office.
11.12.2024, 22:1111.12.2024, 22:26
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Appointed in 2017 by Donald Trump himself, Christopher Wray replaced James Comey, fired in the middle of an FBI investigation investigating potential links between the 45th president's campaign and Russia. According to the Washington Posthe announced his plans during an “emotional” town hall meeting with FBI personnel Wednesday afternoon.
“After weeks of careful consideration, I have decided that the right thing to do for the FBI is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down”
Christophe Wray, to his employees, Wednesday
During his tenure, Christopher Wray oversaw the bureau amid growing political tensions and diverse threats, from Chinese cyberattacks to internal violence against officials, including FBI agents.
A target of the Trump camp
Heavily criticized by the future president and his allies for his support of certain sensitive federal investigations, including the investigation into the alleged mishandling of classified documents by Donald Trump, and that into his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election , Christopher Wray has always defended the independence of the FBI. He always maintained that his work was guided by facts, the law and the impartial pursuit of justice.
“My goal is to stay focused on our mission, the essential work you do every day on behalf of the American people. In my opinion, this is the best way to avoid dragging the FBI even further into the fray.”
Christopher Wray, in a press release
He also underlined his attachment to the agency and the values that guide its operation. The announcement of his resignation was met with a lengthy standing ovation from his staff.
Shared reactions
Political reactions to this resignation have poured in from all political sides. On the Democratic side, we denounce “brutal political pressure” threatening judicial independence and endangering the integrity of the police.
“Wray’s resignation is the result of brutal political pressure that is repugnant to our justice system. “This greatly increases the risks of using the FBI for political or personal gain.”
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal
Outgoing Democratic Justice Secretary Merrick Garland praised the decision by the director, who served the United States “honorably and with integrity for decades, including seven years as FBI director under presidents of two parties.
Conversely, on the Republican side, we see in this departure an “opportunity for reforms”.
“Future FBI directors should learn from Wray’s mistakes. Obstructing Congress, breaking promises, applying double standards and turning your back on whistleblowers will no longer be enough.”
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley
“The resignation of Christopher Wray is a great day for America because it will put an end to the exploitation of what is now known as the American Department of Injustice,” reacted the person concerned, Donald Trump on its Truth Social network.
During his tenure, Christopher Wray worked to address accusations of bias against the FBI. Which did not prevent him from finding himself at the heart of controversy after court-approved searches at the Mar-a-Lago mansion in Florida to recover classified documents. These decisions triggered violent threats against the FBI, a situation that deeply concerned the agency's director.
While Paul Abbate, deputy to Christopher Wray and veteran of the office, could take over in the interim, his imminent retirement leaves uncertainty over the transition. The next director, appointed by Trump, could embody a turning point in the FBI's recent history, marked by persistent criticism and increased expectations for transparency and impartiality. (mbr)
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