FBI Director Christopher Wray's resignation highlights the significant shift in his relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump. Initially appointed in 2017, Trump praised Wray for his commitment to upholding the law and integrity. Wray made efforts to maintain a positive rapport with the White House and lawmakers by providing thorough briefings and implementing reforms within the bureau following issues in the Trump-Russia investigation.
However, the camaraderie between Wray and Trump deteriorated swiftly. Trump publicly criticized Wray for his reluctance to disclose documents related to the Russia probe and his statements about Russian interference in the 2020 elections and the absence of widespread voter fraud. The rift deepened after Trump's departure from office in 2021, with Trump expressing anger over the FBI's lawful search of his Mar-a-Lago property and accusing Wray and the bureau of conducting politically motivated investigations.
Recently, Trump reiterated his displeasure with Wray during an interview, citing the search of Mar-a-Lago as a point of contention. Despite facing criticism from Trump, Wray refrained from engaging in public disputes and instead encouraged bureau staff to remain composed and focused on their duties.
