Trump Expected to Fire FBI Director Wray, Signaling Another Shakeup in His Administration

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office, speculation is growing that one of his first actions will be to dismiss FBI Director Christopher Wray, creating a new vacancy at the agency. This would mark a rare instance of a president firing two FBI directors, as Trump previously let go of James Comey during his first term.

Wray, a Republican, was appointed by Trump in 2017 to a 10-year term, a post designed to shield FBI directors from political pressure following the Watergate scandal. However, Trump’s tenure has repeatedly shown that political concerns often influence such decisions. If Trump moves forward with firing Wray, he will become the first president in history to dismiss two FBI directors.

The situation has drawn comparisons to previous firings. In 1993, President Bill Clinton dismissed FBI Director William Sessions following a report questioning his ethics. Similarly, President Jimmy Carter faced questions about firing FBI Director Clarence Kelley during his campaign in 1976, but ultimately Kelley resigned. The 10-year term for FBI directors was meant to ensure independence, yet Trump’s track record suggests such safeguards have not been effective.

Trump’s decision to fire Comey in 2017 was officially tied to his handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails, but many believe the real reason was Comey’s involvement in the Russia investigation. The fallout from Comey’s firing led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, to continue the probe into potential Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump’s disdain for the investigation and its impact on his administration led him to label it a “deep state” conspiracy.

While the Mueller report ultimately did not find evidence of collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia, it did not exonerate him on other matters. The report’s findings, along with related controversies such as the release of anti-Trump texts from FBI agents, further fueled Trump’s animosity toward the FBI.

Trump’s discontent with Wray has grown in recent years, particularly over what he perceives as Wray’s lack of loyalty. Despite being confirmed by the Senate in 2017, Wray’s independence from the White House—an aspect of his confirmation testimony—has led to tensions with Trump, who values loyalty above all.

Trump’s decision to fire Wray, if it happens, would fit into a broader pattern of bringing key institutions under his control. While earlier presidents worked to distance the Department of Justice and the FBI from political influence, Trump appears to be seeking to bring them closer to the White House’s orbit.