Christopher Wray, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced on Wednesday his decision to step down at the end of the current administration, before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.  

Addressing FBI employees, Mr Wray revealed his intention to resign after serving through President Joe Biden’s term, a move he described as being in the best interest of the bureau. 

“I’ve decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down,” Mr Wray said in his remarks, adding that his choice was aimed at preventing further political entanglements for the agency. 

“This is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.”  

Mr Wray, who was appointed by Mr Trump in 2017, spoke fondly of his time at the FBI, expressing his love for the institution, its mission, and its people. “This is not easy for me,” he said.  

The announcement drew a swift and fiery reaction from Mr Trump, who criticised Mr Wray’s tenure and celebrated the impending change in leadership. 

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump declared the resignation “a great day for America” and accused Mr Wray of weaponising the FBI against him and other Americans.  

“Under the leadership of Christopher Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America,” Mr Trump said. 

He also expressed support for Kash Patel, his nominee to replace Mr Wray, calling him “the most qualified nominee to lead the FBI in the agency’s history.”  

Mr Trump framed the leadership change as an opportunity to “restore the Rule of Law” and “Make the FBI Great Again,” while asserting that rank-and-file agents shared his vision for reform.