First on Fox: Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, said Wednesday that he is seeking a “seamless transition” to replace Christopher Wray, who announced just moments ago that he intends to step down as head of the bureau at the end of the year. Biden administration.
“I look forward to a smooth transition,” Patel told Fox News Digital on Wednesday in response to Wray's announcement. “I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.”
Trump, during his first term as president, appointed Wray to replace James Comey. Trump fired Comey in 2017, less than four years into his tenure.
Republican state attorneys general have expressed their support for Kash Patel to lead the FBI. (Reuters)
Trump said earlier this month that he planned to replace Wray with Patel, a close ally of the president-elect. Patel He served in the first Trump administrationAs Deputy Assistant and Senior Director for Counterterrorism.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump hailed the news of Wray's resignation, calling it a “great day for America” and a departure that would end what Trump has repeatedly criticized as the “weaponization” of the Justice Department.
Trump added: “Kash Patel is the most qualified candidate to lead the FBI in the agency’s history, and he is committed to helping ensure that law, order, and justice are restored to our country again, and soon.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray, accompanied by CIA Director William Burns, testifies during the House Intelligence Committee's annual open hearing on global threats at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (AP Photo/Caroline Custer)
Patel and Trump's statements came shortly after Wray told FBI staff on Wednesday that he intends to step down as FBI director at the end of President Joe Biden's term.
“After weeks of careful consideration, I have decided that the right thing for the Bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down,” Wray told FBI staff, according to a transcript of his prepared remarks. . “My goal is to maintain focus on our mission — the indispensable work you do on behalf of the American people every day. In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the office deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how We do our job.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back soon for updates.
