FBI Director Chris Wray announced his resignation on Wednesday after a seven-year tenure marked by significant controversies. He will remain in his position until the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January.
While Wray’s resignation comes amid widespread speculation that he sought to avoid being fired by President-elect Donald Trump, recent reports suggest he may have devised a strategy to complicate Trump’s plans for the agency, especially regarding his nominated successor, Kash Patel.
Wray’s departure has sparked concerns about what he might leave behind, with claims emerging that he is working to shield his allies within the FBI and delay Patel’s ability to implement changes. If true, this plan could hinder the incoming administration’s ability to restructure the bureau.
The Washington Times reported Wednesday that Wray has begun promoting senior employees within the FBI’s leadership. Sources claim this is an effort to “burrow” establishment figures deeper into the agency, making it more difficult for Trump and Patel to enact reforms.
These promotions, aimed at embedding key personnel in secure roles, would make it challenging to remove or reassign them under the new leadership.
Additionally, a plan is reportedly in motion to delay Patel’s entry as FBI director by three to four months. This delay could significantly disrupt the transition process, potentially leaving Deputy Director Paul Abbate as acting director during the interim period. Abbate, a long-serving FBI official, may maintain the status quo, further complicating Patel’s eventual efforts to overhaul the agency.
Critics of Wray’s reported actions argue that these moves could undermine Trump’s ability to restore trust in the FBI, an agency that has faced scrutiny for alleged political bias and misconduct during Wray’s tenure.
Trump has frequently criticized the FBI for its handling of investigations, including the controversial raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence and what he describes as a “two-tiered system of justice.”
If the alleged plan succeeds, Patel could face significant challenges running the FBI effectively. Insiders loyal to Wray might resist directives, leak sensitive information, and create operational hurdles. This could delay or derail efforts to implement reforms aimed at addressing perceived issues within the bureau.
Stopping Wray’s alleged scheme may require Congressional intervention. However, with a divided Congress and the presence of Republican lawmakers who are perceived as moderate or unwilling to confront the so-called “Deep State,” there are questions about whether legislative action will occur.
The stakes are high for Trump and Patel, as an uncooperative FBI could embolden bad actors and compromise the agency’s ability to serve law-abiding Americans effectively. For now, the focus shifts to whether Wray’s reported plan can be thwarted and if Patel can overcome the potential obstacles awaiting him.
As the transition unfolds, the dynamics within the FBI will likely remain a critical area of scrutiny, influencing how the bureau operates under new leadership and how the public perceives its role in the justice system.