Trump says he will fire FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with longtime ally Kash Patel

On By Littum

President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday that he plans to fire FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with longtime ally Kash Patel.

The appointment must be approved by the Senate.

Kash Patel, former chief of staff to the Secretary of Defense speaks on the day Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on Oct. 13, 2024.

Go to Nakamura/Reuters, files

Patel has been a staunch supporter of Trump for years and served in his first administration in a variety of roles. He has vocally defended the January 6 rioters.

Patel has said he would attack journalists, former senior FBI and Justice Department officials and turn the FBI into a museum of the “deep state” on Day 1.

“This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the criminal migrant gangs and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

The FBI and Patel did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement. Trump cannot make personnel changes at the FBI until he is sworn in.

This is a development story. Please check back for updates.