FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced he is resigning from the federal agency before President Donald Trump can fire him.
Wray’s resignation ends his term three years early.
The move comes after Trump revealed that he plans to replace Wray.
The announcement was first reported Wednesday afternoon by the New York Times.
It comes after Trump revealed last month that he had nominated former intelligence aide Kash Patel to fill the director role.
Patel is a Trump loyalist who plans to target the deep state when he assumes the role.
Wray has drawn ire from Trump and his Republican allies in Congress in recent years.
He has been hit with accusations that the bureau has been weaponized by the Democrats against Republicans.
Under Wray’s leadership, the FBI executed a search warrant for classified material at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
The FBI’s lack of progress on its investigation into pipe bombs found on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021, has also created a backlash from Republicans.
Both issues have been the subjects of Trump’s wrath.
Under Wray, the FBI has also faced accusations from Republicans of being biased against Catholics.
The federal agency has also been accused of improperly pressuring social media companies to practice censorship that benefits the Democrats.
however, the FBI has disputed both matters, despite the overwhelming evidence against the bureau.
In a Tuesday statement about Wray’s resignation plans, the FBI said he was focused on his work.
“Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats,” the FBI said.
“Director Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for.”
Just one day later, Wray announced he was quitting.
Meanwhile, Trump has tapped Patel, a crusader against the “deep state,” to lead the FBI.
In his announcement about his pick for Patel to lead the FBI, Trump said he would work to snuff out America’s “crime epidemic,” bust up migrant gangs, and stymie drug and human trafficking.
“Kash did an incredible job during my First Term, where he served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials,” Trump posted to Truth Social.
“This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border.
“Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.”
Patel hit the national radar during Trump’s first administration.
He worked as the national security adviser and senior counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence under the leadership of then-Committee Chair Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA).
“Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People,” Trump continued in his announcement of Patel as FBI chief.
“He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.”
READ MORE – CNN Pollster: Americans’ Trust in FBI Has Plunged
