WASHINGTON – FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced he will resign next month, coinciding with the conclusion of President Joe Biden’s term. His decision comes shortly after a prominent Senate Republican requested his resignation and as President-elect Donald Trump consistently advocated for a new appointee for the upcoming administration.

“After much consideration, I believe the best decision for the Bureau is for me to see out the end of the current administration in January and then step aside,” Wray, 57, informed FBI staff on Wednesday, according to a bureau statement.

Wray was appointed by Trump in 2017, but he faced ongoing backlash due to inquiries regarding Trump, including the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the retrieval of classified documents during the search at Mar-a-Lago.

“Christopher Wray’s resignation marks a significant day for America, putting an end to the perceived misuse that has plagued the U.S. Department of Injustice,” Trump expressed in a social media statement. “Under Wray’s leadership, the FBI conducted an unjustified raid on my home, aggressively pursued my impeachment and indictment, and has intervened in ways detrimental to the prosperity and future of America.”

Attorney General Garland Praises Wray’s Integrity and Leadership

Attorney General Merrick Garland lauded Wray for his “principled leadership,” emphasizing his commitment to national security, civil rights, and the rule of law.

“Chris Wray has served our nation with honor and integrity for decades, including seven years as the FBI Director under both political parties,” Garland stated. “He has performed his duties with skill and integrity.”

Natalie Bara, president of the FBI Agents Association, expressed gratitude for Wray’s leadership during a critical time, highlighting the importance of a smooth transition as the country faces numerous challenges to its security.

“Director Wray has guided the Bureau through tough periods with a clear focus on the essential work of ensuring our nation’s safety,” Bara noted. “FBI Special Agents will remain dedicated to our crucial mission of protecting this great country and upholding the U.S. Constitution.”

In a separate NBC News interview, Trump had refrained from stating whether he would dismiss Wray, who has been in a 10-year term for seven years. However, he has openly endorsed former intelligence official Kash Patel as his preferred successor.

Patel expressed eagerness for a “smooth transition,” stating, “I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.” Trump mentioned his anticipation for Patel’s confirmation.

Senate Republicans Call Wray’s Departure ‘Long Overdue’

Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, stated to reporters on Wednesday that it was evident Wray would either resign or be dismissed. “I’m pleased he has made this choice,” Cruz commented.

Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., referred to Wray’s resignation as “a welcome development” that would make Patel’s confirmation “more critical but still significant.” “I have been urging him to step down for over a year,” Hawley stated about Wray. “This resignation is greatly needed and long overdue.”

Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., remarked that Wray’s resignation was “fitting.”

“My primary concern has been his failure to provide clarity on the reasons behind his actions,” Scott stated. “The agents at the FBI are great, but we deserve transparency about decisions, for example, ‘Why did they raid Mar-a-Lago but not pursue my home?'”

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., commended Wray as someone who “has always placed the mission of the FBI above political interests” and “has worked diligently to maintain the Bureau’s independence and its critical role in protecting the American people and enforcing the law.”

“While I regret that he won’t finish his 10-year tenure, I recognize that Director Wray Warner stated, “He is just continuing to be the person of integrity he has always been. I appreciate the principled leadership he showed during his time at the FBI and his dedication to our nation.” Warner is expected to step down from his committee chairmanship as Republicans assume control of the Senate at the beginning of the upcoming Congress next month.

GOP Senator Chuck Grassley Criticizes Wray for ‘Failures’

After former President Trump faced charges for unlawfully maintaining national defense documents after his presidency, a federal judge dismissed those charges in July, citing that the special counsel overseeing the investigation was appointed unlawfully. Trump largely expressed dissatisfaction regarding the FBI’s search that retrieved the documents and the inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the soon-to-be chairman of the Judiciary Committee that supervises the FBI and will consider Patel’s nomination, criticized Wray sharply in a letter on Monday, aligning with many of Trump’s assertions. Grassley expressed that his trust in Wray and Deputy Director Paul Abbate has been “damaged” and believes it is time for them to “begin a new chapter in their lives.”

Grassley stated, “Hindering Congress, failing to fulfill commitments, showing bias, and ignoring whistleblowers will no longer be acceptable,” in a statement on Wednesday.

Who is Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for the FBI leadership?

Kash Patel, who served as an advisor to the Director of National Intelligence and the Defense Secretary during Trump’s administration, is a divisive nominee for the role of FBI director. Republican advocates, including House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana, believe he will implement necessary reforms within the agency.

However, Patel has suggested he may investigate Trump’s adversaries and aims to dismantle the FBI headquarters in Washington, redistributing staff to various locations across the nation.

Wray’s Background as a Prosecutor Before Leading the FBI

Christopher Wray began his legal career in 1997 as a federal prosecutor in Georgia. In 2003, he was nominated by former President George W. Bush to lead the criminal division of the Justice Department, where he directed efforts against terrorism following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Wray earned his law degree from Yale and went on to clerk for Judge Michael Luttig in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He will celebrate his 58th birthday on Tuesday and has also worked as an attorney for approximately 17 years at the law firm King & Spalding.