Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers is no longer under consideration to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the incoming administration, as confirmed by a senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump. The decision was relayed by Dan Scavino, who is set to serve as deputy chief of staff in the new White House, through a social media post on Friday.
Scavino stated that President Trump had indicated that a Rogers hire is 'not happening,' emphasizing that it was not even a consideration. Rogers, who recently lost the 2024 Republican Senate nomination in Michigan by a narrow margin, was previously seen as a top contender for the FBI director position, given Trump's intention to replace the current director, Christopher Wray.
Reports revealed that Rogers had met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week and engaged with the transition team to explore the possibility of serving as FBI director. However, the Trump transition team declined to comment on Scavino's announcement, citing a policy of not speculating on selections before official announcements.
Rogers had expressed the need for a change in the FBI's culture, particularly on the seventh floor, as per sources. With a background as a special agent in the FBI's Chicago office and having chaired the House Intelligence Committee during his congressional tenure, Rogers was previously interviewed for the FBI director role in 2017 after James Comey's dismissal, which ultimately led to Christopher Wray's appointment.
During his 2024 White House campaign, Trump had emphasized the need to reform the FBI, alleging political bias and corruption within the agency. While Wray has faced criticism from Trump, the president has not shied away from his intent to revamp the bureau's leadership. Kash Patel, a former aide with roles in the National Security Council and Defense Department during Trump's first administration, has been mentioned in media reports as a potential candidate for FBI director in the upcoming term.
The Department of Justice refrained from commenting on Scavino's statement ruling out Rogers as a contender for the FBI director position.
