President Donald Trump celebrated this week when FBI Director Christopher Wray, who he appointed during his first term, announced his plans to step down, clearing the path for his chosen head of the bureau, firebrand loyalist Kash Patel.
Wray’s tenure under Trump was marked by periods of significant tension. Trump's dissatisfaction with the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the lack of support for his claims of fraud in the 2020 election led to strained relations with Justice officials, including Wray.
On at least two occasions, Wray expressed his readiness to resign due to Trump’s demands, according to a former US official briefed on the matter.
When Trump was seeking a new FBI director after firing James Comey in 2017, he sought someone who embodied the image of America’s top law enforcement official. Wray, a 50-year-old Yale-trained lawyer with conservative credentials and experience in the Justice Department, fit the bill.
Unlike Comey, who had a high media presence that contributed to some of the bureau’s challenges, Wray preferred a lower profile and avoided the press. This approach did not align with Trump's expectations, as per senior administration officials.
This disparity in expectations led to a delicate balancing act for Wray during Trump’s first term. He limited direct interactions with Trump while focusing on priorities important to the administration.
