In an interview with Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, President-elect Donald Trump discussed the potential dismissal of FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he appointed during his first term.
The interview, conducted on Friday and aired Sunday, focused on Trump’s dissatisfaction with Wray’s performance and the president-elect’s recent nomination of Kash Patel to lead the bureau.
When Welker asked if Wray would be fired, Trump expressed frustration with the FBI director, citing personal grievances and concerns over the bureau’s performance.
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“Well, I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home — I’m suing the country over it,” Trump stated, referring to the FBI’s raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on August 8, 2022.
The raid was conducted in connection to alleged mishandling of classified documents, a case that was later dismissed due to questions over the legality of special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment.
“I’m very unhappy with the things he’s done and crime is at an all-time high. Migrants are pouring into the country that are from prisons and mental institutions, as we’ve discussed,” Trump added.
While critical of Wray, Trump refrained from directly confirming whether he would fire the FBI director. “I don’t want to say — again,” Trump remarked. “I don’t want to be Joe Biden and give you an answer and then go the exact opposite.”
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Trump was referencing President Joe Biden’s Dec. 1 decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, despite previous claims that he would not do so.
Trump also took issue with Wray’s handling of an incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, during which the president-elect claims he was shot in the ear. Trump criticized Wray’s response to the event, alleging it was downplayed as an incident involving “shrapnel.”
“You take a look at what’s happened. And then when I was shot in the ear, he said, ‘Oh, maybe it was shrapnel.’ Where’s the shrapnel coming from? Is it coming from heaven? I don’t think so,” Trump said.
Welker asked if Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI indicated Wray’s likely dismissal. Trump avoided providing a direct answer but hinted at the possibility.
“It would sort of seem pretty obvious that if Kash gets in, he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? The somebody is the man you are talking about,” Trump responded.
NBC: Will you fire Christopher Wray? PRESIDENT TRUMP: "It would sort of seem pretty obvious that if @Kash_Patel gets in, he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? That somebody is the man you're talking about." pic.twitter.com/dYQwfx5l5O
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 8, 2024
Trump’s dissatisfaction with Wray, combined with his nomination of Kash Patel, signals potential changes at the FBI as the president-elect prepares to take office.
Patel, a staunch Trump ally, is expected to bring a different approach to the bureau’s leadership.
As the transition period continues, the future of Wray’s tenure remains uncertain, with Trump’s comments leaving the door open for significant shifts within the FBI.
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