FBI Director to Resign Before Trump Takes Office

(CLO) FBI Director Christopher Wray announced that he will resign before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Previously, Mr. Trump announced his intention to remove him from office and nominate Mr. Kash Patel to replace him.

Mr. Wray, who was appointed by Mr. Trump in 2017 after firing his predecessor James Comey, announced the decision at a meeting at the FBI headquarters in Washington on December 11. He affirmed that he would continue his duties until the end of the current administration in January and then resign.

“This is the best way for the Bureau to stay away from deeper political conflicts, while protecting the core values and principles that are important in its work,” he said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray arrives for a Senate hearing in June. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call

Responding to the news, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his joy and called it a "great day for America", saying that Mr. Wray's resignation would end the "weaponization" of the US justice system. Mr. Trump also used the social network Truth Social to criticize the FBI Director, expressing disappointment with Mr. Wray's actions during his time as FBI Director.

Mr. Wray's decision to step down comes two years earlier than the 10-year term that FBI directors typically serve.

Attorney General Merrick Garland paid tribute to Mr. Wray, saying that under his leadership, the FBI has protected national security, protected civil rights and upheld the rule of law.

"The FBI Director has a responsibility to protect the FBI's independence from improper influence in criminal investigations. That independence is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and protecting the freedoms that the American people cherish," Mr. Garland said.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP, Guardian)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/giam-doc-fbi-se-tu-chuc-truoc-khi-ong-donald-trump-nham-chuc-post325277.html