Christopher Wray's farewell advice to the FBI: ‘Maintain our independence’
The departing FBI director did not mention President-elect Donald Trump directly, yet his influence was palpable throughout Wray's farewell.
TroibNews 
In his farewell address, FBI Director Christopher Wray issued a final directive to his agency before Donald Trump's anticipated return to power: maintain independence and avoid politics.
“We’ve got to maintain our independence and objectivity, staying above partisanship and politics,” Wray stated. “Because that’s what the American people expect and, I think, that’s what they deserve.”
Although Wray did not mention President-elect Donald Trump by name, his upcoming presence was a significant aspect of the event. Trump’s return poses challenges for the bureau, especially considering his campaign promise to appoint a special prosecutor to scrutinize President Joe Biden and his family, alongside suggestions that many of his political opponents warrant law enforcement examination.
Wray has faced criticism from Trump, who perceives him as part of the FBI’s alleged weaponization against him. After winning the election in November, Trump announced his intent to fire Wray, leading to Wray's resignation.
During the farewell address, Wray reiterated the importance of independence and objectivity among FBI personnel, emphasizing the necessity of “staying above partisanship and politics.”
“No matter what’s happening out there, in here we’ve gotta stay committed to doing our work the right way, every time, with professionalism, with rigor, with integrity,” he affirmed from the bureau’s headquarters. “That means following the facts wherever they lead, no matter who likes it — or doesn’t. Just trust me, if there’s anything I’ve learned in this job, there’s always somebody who doesn’t like it.”
No speaker at the ceremony mentioned Trump directly. However, Attorney General Merrick Garland, the first to speak, stressed the necessity of resisting improper influence.
“That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and protecting the freedoms that we as Americans hold dear,” he remarked.
Speakers commended Wray for enhancing relationships with state and local law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and international partners. CIA Director William Burns noted the agency's improved collaboration with the FBI under Wray, humorously mentioning that complaints about the bureau had diminished. Joseph Gramaglia, the commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department, recognized the FBI’s effective response to a racially motivated mass shooting at a grocery store. Kenneth McCallum, head of Great Britain’s MI5 domestic spy agency, praised Wray’s efforts to strengthen transatlantic partnerships.
The ceremony, held in a chilly auditorium at FBI headquarters in Washington, featured a friendly atmosphere with laughter resonating throughout as attendees enjoyed the speakers’ humor. Wray’s family was present and received significant applause.
The audience included others familiar with facing scrutiny of federal law enforcement. Rod Rosenstein, who served as Deputy Attorney General during part of Trump’s first term, attended. He faced notable attacks from the now-president-elect for overseeing the Russia inquiry. Also present was Rob Hur, the special counsel who investigated President Biden for improper possession of classified materials; his report faced backlash from national Democrats, indicating concerns about Biden’s mental faculties. Despite pushback from the White House, Biden later suspended his reelection campaign following a challenging debate performance that seemed to confirm Hur's observations.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a prominent Republican and Wray's former client during the "Bridgegate" investigation, was also in attendance. Christie had recommended Wray for the FBI position to Trump, who has since distanced himself from both men.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
“We’ve got to maintain our independence and objectivity, staying above partisanship and politics,” Wray stated. “Because that’s what the American people expect and, I think, that’s what they deserve.”
Although Wray did not mention President-elect Donald Trump by name, his upcoming presence was a significant aspect of the event. Trump’s return poses challenges for the bureau, especially considering his campaign promise to appoint a special prosecutor to scrutinize President Joe Biden and his family, alongside suggestions that many of his political opponents warrant law enforcement examination.
Wray has faced criticism from Trump, who perceives him as part of the FBI’s alleged weaponization against him. After winning the election in November, Trump announced his intent to fire Wray, leading to Wray's resignation.
During the farewell address, Wray reiterated the importance of independence and objectivity among FBI personnel, emphasizing the necessity of “staying above partisanship and politics.”
“No matter what’s happening out there, in here we’ve gotta stay committed to doing our work the right way, every time, with professionalism, with rigor, with integrity,” he affirmed from the bureau’s headquarters. “That means following the facts wherever they lead, no matter who likes it — or doesn’t. Just trust me, if there’s anything I’ve learned in this job, there’s always somebody who doesn’t like it.”
No speaker at the ceremony mentioned Trump directly. However, Attorney General Merrick Garland, the first to speak, stressed the necessity of resisting improper influence.
“That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and protecting the freedoms that we as Americans hold dear,” he remarked.
Speakers commended Wray for enhancing relationships with state and local law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and international partners. CIA Director William Burns noted the agency's improved collaboration with the FBI under Wray, humorously mentioning that complaints about the bureau had diminished. Joseph Gramaglia, the commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department, recognized the FBI’s effective response to a racially motivated mass shooting at a grocery store. Kenneth McCallum, head of Great Britain’s MI5 domestic spy agency, praised Wray’s efforts to strengthen transatlantic partnerships.
The ceremony, held in a chilly auditorium at FBI headquarters in Washington, featured a friendly atmosphere with laughter resonating throughout as attendees enjoyed the speakers’ humor. Wray’s family was present and received significant applause.
The audience included others familiar with facing scrutiny of federal law enforcement. Rod Rosenstein, who served as Deputy Attorney General during part of Trump’s first term, attended. He faced notable attacks from the now-president-elect for overseeing the Russia inquiry. Also present was Rob Hur, the special counsel who investigated President Biden for improper possession of classified materials; his report faced backlash from national Democrats, indicating concerns about Biden’s mental faculties. Despite pushback from the White House, Biden later suspended his reelection campaign following a challenging debate performance that seemed to confirm Hur's observations.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a prominent Republican and Wray's former client during the "Bridgegate" investigation, was also in attendance. Christie had recommended Wray for the FBI position to Trump, who has since distanced himself from both men.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
