WASHINGTON — In a farewell speech prior to his anticipated retirement, outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the critical importance of the agency’s independence and commitment to the rule of law. After serving for more than seven years, Wray shared his thoughts just days before stepping down with the conclusion of the Biden administration.
Wray highlighted that, regardless of external circumstances, the FBI must prioritize integrity and professionalism in its operations. “No matter what’s happening out there,” he stated, “we’ve got to stay committed to doing our work the right way every time, with professionalism, with rigor, with integrity.” He stressed the necessity of pursuing facts without bias, acknowledging the inevitability of displeasing some parties in the process. His remarks, delivered in front of a crowded audience at FBI headquarters, carefully sidestepped direct political commentary, steering clear of President-elect Donald Trump’s previous critiques as well as the politically sensitive investigations involving both Trump and President Joe Biden. However, the context of his speech resonated with concerns surrounding Trump’s potential intentions to manipulate the FBI for personal vendettas following his nomination of loyalist Kash Patel to take over Wray’s position.
Wray reiterated that adhering to the rule of law encompasses conducting fair investigations without favoritism and exercising restraint when investigations lack sufficient basis. He asserted the importance of maintaining the FBI’s independence from political influence, stating, “That’s what the American people expect and I think that’s what they deserve.” Wray announced his decision to resign ahead of Trump’s inauguration, around three years shy of the typical ten-year term for FBI directors, following Trump’s announcement of Patel’s impending leadership.
His tenure has been marked by complex challenges, including sophisticated cyber espionage from China, assassination attempts linked to Iran, and recent incidents of violence, such as a New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that resulted in numerous fatalities and is being treated as a terrorist act by the FBI. However, recent years have also seen the bureau embroiled in politically charged investigations, overshadowing public perception of its work. These include substantial inquiries into Trump’s handling of classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago estate, which included a search in 2022, and his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to several indictments. Concurrently, the FBI has scrutinized President Biden regarding classified information, as well as investigations involving his son Hunter concerning tax and gun violations, with Hunter being convicted and later pardoned.
While the farewell ceremony omitted specific details about these investigations, it was attended by a wide array of colleagues, including state law enforcement officials and intelligence leaders like CIA Director William Burns. Speakers at the event focused on Wray’s unwavering dedication to both his work and the people he has guided throughout his career.
Burns later commented on the ongoing collaboration between the CIA and the FBI, emphasizing the deepened relationship under Wray. He stated, “Going forward, as we continue to collaborate with our good friends at FBI, CIA officers will keep asking ourselves one thing: What would Chris want us to do?” Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 after Trump dismissed James Comey, returned to public service after a successful legal career in Atlanta, demonstrating his commitment amid challenging circumstances.
Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged Wray’s selfless nature, noting he could have opted for a much quieter and comfortable life instead of assuming such a demanding role within the government. Garland humorously remarked on Wray’s potential life choices, before affirming his dedication to public service. He then expressed that one of the most rewarding aspects of their partnership was their morning briefings concerning national threats, emphasizing the lack of political discourse in those discussions. “If the American people could witness those meetings, they would be so proud,” Garland concluded.