By Steve Neavling
FBI Director Christopher Wray and President-elect Donald Trump’s team are preparing for the possibility that Trump may replace Wray in the new administration, according to three individuals familiar with the situation.
One possible candidate for Wray’s role is Trump adviser Kash Patel, who is also being considered to lead the CIA, NBC News reports, citing two other sources.
Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 for a 10-year term, reportedly enjoys leading the FBI and had intended to complete his term. However, he is preparing for the potential that Trump will look to replace him, a separate source indicated.
All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
Wray’s potential departure may not necessarily involve a direct firing; he could resign if Trump expresses a desire for him to step down, which is widely anticipated.
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized a commitment to “cleaning house” at the FBI, which he has accused of harboring politically motivated and corrupt executives.
In April, Wray told NBC News he was “enjoying doing this job” and added, “As long as I think I can do that in a way that adheres to all those rules and norms, I’d like to keep doing it.”
In July, tensions escalated when Trump demanded Wray’s resignation after the director testified before Congress regarding Trump’s ear injury in an assassination attempt, suggesting it might not have been caused by a bullet. Shortly afterward, the FBI confirmed in a statement that a bullet did strike Trump’s ear. Trump later responded on his social media platform, Truth Social: “I assume that’s the best apology that we’ll get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!”
Recently, Trump has been making key staffing announcements, including naming Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff and Tom Homan as “border czar.” A new FBI director would require Senate confirmation, where Republicans will hold a majority beginning in January.
Patel, a former House and National Security Council staffer and senior Defense Department official during the final days of Trump’s first term, is a vocal critic of the Justice Department and has expressed a desire to overhaul the department. In his memoir, “Government Gangsters,” Patel advocated for a “comprehensive housecleaning” at both the Justice Department and FBI, including prosecuting officials he claims abused their power for political purposes.
Trump had previously considered appointing Patel as CIA deputy director, but the plan was scrapped when then-CIA Director Gina Haspel threatened to resign.
In a December interview with former White House adviser Steve Bannon, Patel discussed the possibility of taking on the role, saying, “We have to put in all-American patriots top to bottom… We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media… yes, we’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’re going to figure that out — but yeah, we’re putting you all on notice.”
