As Trump’s team prepares for the next administration, discussions are underway to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray, with Kash Patel among potential candidates.
According to sources familiar with the situation, President-elect Donald Trump’s team is evaluating the possibility of replacing FBI Director Christopher Wray when the new administration takes office. Trump, who appointed Wray in 2017 for a 10-year term, has criticized the FBI’s leadership, accusing it of harboring politically biased officials. Trump’s campaign rhetoric included promises of restructuring the FBI to address what he views as corruption and politicization within the agency.
Potential candidates and Trump’s motivations
Among those under consideration for Wray’s replacement is Trump advisor Kash Patel, who is also being evaluated for a potential CIA leadership role. Patel, a former House staffer and senior Defense Department official, has publicly expressed a strong stance against perceived political misuse of power within agencies like the FBI and Justice Department. His 2023 memoir, *Government Gangsters*, advocates for significant reforms in federal law enforcement, including prosecuting leaders who misuse authority for political purposes.
Wray, who has indicated he enjoys leading the FBI, has shown a commitment to maintaining the bureau’s “rules and norms.” However, with Trump’s expected restructuring approach, sources say Wray is preparing for the possibility of a transition and could resign if asked to step down.
In recent days, Trump has announced key appointments, such as Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff and Tom Homan as “border czar.” Any new FBI director would require Senate confirmation, which could be facilitated by a Republican majority taking office in January.
Implications for federal agencies
Patel’s potential nomination could bring significant changes to federal agencies if he is confirmed for the FBI or CIA. In a December interview with former White House advisor Steve Bannon, Patel underscored the need for “all-American patriots” in leadership, vowing to investigate both government officials and media figures he believes undermined Trump’s presidency. Trump’s decisions regarding Wray and Patel are expected to signal the direction of his administration’s approach to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
