President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Saturday his intention to dismiss FBI Director Christopher Wray and nominate longtime ally Kash Patel as his replacement. The appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Patel, a vocal supporter of Trump and a former official in his first administration, has defended individuals charged for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot. He has also publicly stated plans to target journalists and former senior FBI and Department of Justice officials, and has proposed turning the FBI into a museum of the “deep state.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Patel’s vision for the agency, stating, “This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border.”
Patel has not yet commented on the announcement. Trump, who is not yet sworn into office, cannot make personnel changes until his inauguration.
Wray, who has led the FBI since 2017 following Trump’s dismissal of James Comey, is currently in the midst of his 10-year term. At the time of Comey’s firing, Trump claimed he “wasn’t doing a good job.”
In a statement to ABC News, the FBI said, “Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats. Director Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for.”
The proposed leadership change signals a major shift in the agency’s direction under Trump’s incoming administration.