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FBI Director Christopher Wray to Resign, Paving Way for Trump's Nominee Kash Patel

Dec 12, 2024, 12:19 PM

FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced his intention to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House. Wray's decision comes after Trump nominated Kash Patel, a staunch Trump loyalist, to replace him. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Wray, particularly over the FBI's raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022, which led to the recovery of classified documents and subsequent federal charges against Trump. Wray's resignation is seen as an attempt to avoid a direct confrontation with the incoming Trump administration. Trump celebrated Wray's resignation on Truth Social, calling it a 'great day for America' and criticizing the FBI for what he perceives as its weaponization against him. Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, has tried to maintain the FBI's independence amidst politically charged investigations. His departure paves the way for Patel, who has promised to purge what he sees as the FBI's politicization and has threatened to target media figures and others who he believes have wronged Trump. During a town hall meeting, Wray received a standing ovation from FBI staff. Patel has been meeting with senators to secure his confirmation.