'Weeks of careful thought': FBI director says he will resign at end of Biden term

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, December 18th, FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau staff that he plans to resign at the end of Biden's term. His announcement comes just one week after President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to nominate Kash Patel for the position.

According to the Associated Press (AP), at a town hall meeting Wray said that he would be stepping down "after weeks of careful thought," which would be roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which the bureau found itself in a handful of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump and inquiries into Biden and his son Hunter.

He told agency employees, "My goal is to keep the focus on our mission, the indispensable work you're doing on behalf of the American people every day. In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work."

His resignation was not unexpected since Trump has nominated Patel to be the FBI director. He said in a statement, "It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway — this is not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people. But, my focus is and always has been on us and doing what's right for the FBI."

Wray was appointed to his position back when Trump first held office. An FBI official who was not authorized to discuss the private gathering, said that Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks. Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it a "great day for America as it will end the weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice." He said that Patel's confirmation will begin "the process of Making the FBI Great Again."

On the same day as Wray's announcement, Patel said that he is looking forward to a "smooth transition," add that he "will be ready to serve the American people on day one." 

Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray for having "served our country honorably and with integrity for decades." He said, "Under Director Wray's principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department's mission to keep our country safe, protected civil rights, and uphold the rule of law." Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement that Wray led the FBI "through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe."

According to BBC, Patel requires approval by the Senate before he can be appointed to the position. In the meantime, FBI deputy director Paul Abbate, a veteran FBI agent, will run the bureau after Wray's departure. Wray's term was not due to expire until 2027. Trump would not have been able to appoint Patel without firing Wray or him resigning voluntarily. 
 
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