[When President Donald Trump was searching for a new FBI Director after firing James Comey in 2017, he looked for someone who fit a particular mold. He found that in Christopher Wray, a Yale-trained lawyer with a conservative background and experience running the criminal division in George W. Bush’s Justice Department. Trump was impressed by Wray’s “square-jawed serious demeanor,” which he believed would make him an effective FBI Director.
However, Trump soon became dissatisfied with Wray’s public appearances, which were limited, and his lack of support for the President’s efforts. This led to tension between the two, with Wray reportedly considering resignation more than once.
In 2022, Trump wrote Wray a congratulatory letter after his appearance on “60 Minutes,” unaware that the FBI was investigating his decision to store classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The investigation led to a grand jury indictment against Trump and ultimately cost Wray his job.
Trump’s criticism of Wray’s tenure reflects his expectation of absolute loyalty and fealty, a standard that Wray and other FBI Directors have not met in decades. Wray’s predecessor, James Comey, also faced similar demands, as did every FBI Director since J. Edgar Hoover.
Wray’s departure marks the end of an era of independence for the FBI, as Trump prepares to appoint a new Director, Kash Patel, who will continue to use the Justice Department to target political adversaries. The changing culture has been met with criticism, with some calling it an erosion of the FBI’s non-partisan mission.
Under Wray’s tenure, the FBI faced numerous challenges, including the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the handling of protests in response to the police killing of George Floyd. Wray ultimately apologized for the FBI’s role in the latter, saying that orders did not come from him, but from Trump.
Wray’s departure has been met with sadness from FBI employees, who appreciate his commitment to the bureau’s mission and his efforts to build relationships with local law enforcement agencies and private sector companies. Despite the challenges, Wray leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, including the thwarting of terror plots, stopping cyber-attacks, and rescuing children from predators.
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