FBI Director Christopher Wray is reportedly preparing to step down before completing his 10-year term, paving the way for Kash Patel, who is expected to secure Senate confirmation next month.
According to allies familiar with Wray’s thinking, the Trump appointee recognizes the political climate and understands that President-elect Donald Trump is determined to appoint a loyalist to reform the Bureau and address what Trump has called its “weaponization” against political rivals. Trump has criticized the FBI since the 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago as part of an investigation into classified documents. “He’ll be gone by the inauguration,” a source told the Washington Times.
Deputy Director Paul Abbate is expected to oversee the FBI’s operations until Patel, a former intelligence specialist, is confirmed as the new director. Patel has been meeting with Republican senators this week to consolidate support for his nomination, which appears strong. Key GOP figures, including Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the incoming Senate Judiciary Committee chair, have publicly backed him. “He’s committed to ensuring effective congressional oversight,” Grassley said, according to CNN.
Grassley, a vocal critic of Wray, recently called for his resignation in a sharply worded letter. “For the good of the country, it’s time for you and your deputy to move on,” Grassley wrote. “I have no confidence in your leadership of the FBI.” He cited concerns over the Mar-a-Lago raid, during which armed agents searched the former president’s home, including the former First Lady’s personal belongings.
Cornyn expressed confidence in Patel’s swift confirmation. “I anticipate Mr. Patel will be confirmed as the next FBI director. We discussed the importance of restoring the FBI’s reputation as an impartial law enforcement agency,” Cornyn said.
In response to the reports, the FBI defended Wray’s leadership, stating, “The FBI remains committed to Congressional oversight and transparency with the American public. Director Wray and Deputy Director Abbate have taken significant steps to ensure accountability and address the evolving threats facing the nation, while highlighting the extraordinary work of the FBI.”
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