Senate proceedings and records

FBI Director Wray Resigns Before Trump Takes Office; Kash Patel Nominated to Lead Agency

Dec 12, 2024, 02:27 AM

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday that he intends to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, preempting a possible dismissal by the incoming administration. Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017 but later criticized for politicization and abuse of power, will leave his position at the end of President Joe Biden's term next month. Trump's nomination of Kash Patel, a former top lawyer for the House Intelligence Committee known for exposing the Russian collusion investigation, as the next FBI Director has been met with support from Republican senators such as Josh Hawley and Marsha Blackburn, who laud his commitment to transparency and reforming the bureau. Patel met with senators on Wednesday to gain support for his nomination. Trump's celebration of Wray's resignation as 'a great day for America' underscores the shift in leadership at the FBI. Wray's departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the FBI's actions during his tenure, and Patel's nomination is expected to appeal to Americans seeking reform in the intelligence community.