WASHINGTON — In a farewell address, outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the importance of maintaining the bureau’s independence and commitment to the rule of law as he prepares to retire at the end of the Biden administration after more than seven years in the role.
Wray stated, “Regardless of the circumstances outside these walls, we must remain dedicated to performing our duties correctly every single time, with professionalism, rigor, and integrity.” He asserted that this involves following the evidence where it leads, regardless of public opinion. “Trust me, if I’ve learned anything in this position, it’s that there will always be someone unhappy with our work.”
During the packed farewell ceremony at FBI headquarters, Wray avoided direct political references but acknowledged the significant challenges the organization has faced, particularly due to contentious investigations involving both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. His comments reverberated in light of Trump’s recent decision to appoint Kash Patel, an outspoken supporter, to replace Wray, raising concerns about potential misuse of the FBI’s powers for political retribution.
Wray emphasized that following the rule of law entails conducting inquiries without bias and not pursuing cases without sufficient rationale. He noted, “We must sustain our independence and impartiality, distancing ourselves from political influences, which is what the American people rightly expect from us.”
Announcing his resignation ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, Wray will step down nearly three years prior to the typical ten-year term for FBI directors. This decision came after Trump indicated his intent to appoint Patel, who has previously called for substantial changes within the agency and has criticized its investigations into Trump.
Wray’s tenure was marked by complex and sophisticated threats, including Chinese cyberespionage and Iranian assassination plots, the latter targeting Trump himself. Recently, the FBI has been investigating a New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, treating it as a potential act of terrorism.
However, the FBI has also been embroiled in high-profile investigations that have influenced public perception of the agency. These include inquiries into Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, which led to multiple indictments. Additionally, the FBI looked into Biden’s handling of classified materials and investigated his son Hunter on tax and firearms offenses, with Hunter eventually facing conviction but later receiving a presidential pardon.
Details about these cases were not discussed during the farewell event, attended by current and former FBI colleagues, Justice Department officials, and other prominent members of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including CIA Director William Burns. Tributes highlighted Wray’s commitment to his role and to the agents he led throughout his tenure.
Burns remarked on the collaborative nature of the relationship between the CIA and the FBI, reiterating, “As we work together, we will continue to ask ourselves: What would Chris want us to do?” He characterized their partnership as the strongest it has ever been.
Wray was originally appointed by Trump in 2017 following the dismissal of James Comey. He returned to public service after a successful legal career in Atlanta, previously having served in senior roles within the Justice Department.
Attorney General Merrick Garland humorously noted that Wray could have easily remained in private practice, enjoying a comfortable life, but instead chose to take on one of the most demanding roles in government. He remarked, “Chris Wray is public-spirited to the core,” and added that Wray’s dedication to service did not surprise him, especially given the critical nature of his role.
Garland also expressed that his favorite aspect of their collaboration is participating in daily briefings on national threats, where politics are set aside, stating that if the American public could witness these discussions, they would feel a sense of pride in their FBI.
