GOP Sen. Mike Rounds expressed support for FBI Director Christopher Wray following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he would nominate Kash Patel to replace Wray. Trump would need to fire Wray or Wray would have to step down voluntarily before 2027 for Patel to take over, as FBI directors typically serve 10-year terms. Despite concerns raised by some Republicans, Sen. Ted Cruz expressed confidence that Patel would be confirmed by the Senate.
Sen. Chuck Grassley criticized Wray’s tenure as FBI director, calling for transparency and accountability at the bureau, but did not explicitly endorse Patel’s nomination. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the norm of FBI directors serving full terms and noted that Biden allowed Wray to continue serving despite being a Trump appointee.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin echoed Sullivan’s concerns, emphasizing that Wray’s term does not expire until 2027 and criticizing Trump’s attempt to replace him with Patel. Durbin called on the Senate to reject Patel’s nomination, citing concerns about partisanship and the potential weaponization of the FBI. Overall, the nomination of Patel to lead the FBI has sparked debate and raised questions about the agency’s independence and integrity.
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