The outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray said he would resign before President-elect Donald Trump assumed office.
Wray explained that he decided to avoid provoking more profound controversy following a tenure marked by high-profile investigations and political scrutiny.
In an interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Wray reflected on his impending departure, describing it as “one of the hardest decisions” of his career.
He emphasized his commitment to the FBI and its mission but acknowledged that Trump’s intent to make leadership changes prompted his resignation to ensure a smooth transition.
Wray’s tenure included significant challenges, most notably the 2022 FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in search of classified documents.
The raid sparked outrage from Trump and his supporters, who accused the agency of political bias. Wray defended the operation, asserting that the FBI had a duty to act when classified material was not correctly stored. He explained that executing a search warrant was a last resort, not the preferred course of action.
In addition to the Mar-a-Lago raid, Wray was criticized for the FBI’s investigation into alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Despite the political pressures, he maintained that the bureau’s role was to “follow the facts wherever they lead, no matter who likes it.”
Wray also addressed accusations of political interference in the investigation of Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, who was convicted of gun and tax charges before receiving a pardon. Wray insisted that the FBI’s actions were impartial and driven by evidence, not politics.
The outgoing FBI Director warned of growing threats from China, describing the nation as “the defining threat of our generation.”
He detailed concerns over China’s cyber programs targeting U.S. infrastructure, including water treatment plants, energy systems, and telecommunications networks.
As Wray steps down after over seven years in the role, President-elect Trump has nominated Kash Patel, a former Justice Department attorney, to lead the FBI.
Patel’s confirmation will require Senate approval. During his tenure, he will likely inherit the complex challenges Wray highlighted, including countering cyber threats and maintaining the bureau’s independence amid political polarization.
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