Trump makes pick for FBI chief
Wray investigated corporate fraud for Justice Department
USA TODAY WASHINGTON President Donald Trump will nominate former Justice Department official Christopher Wray for FBI director to replace James Comey, who was abruptly fired last month in the midst of an investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign associates and Russia.
The president made the announcement early Wednesday morning via Twitter. “I will be nominating Christopher A. Wray, a man of impeccable credentials, to be the new Director of the FBI,” Trump tweeted. “Details to follow.”
A former chief of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division from 2003 to 2005, Wray served under President George W. Bush. Wray was a member of the administration’s Corporate Fraud Task Force and oversaw the fraud prosecutions of former executives at Enron Corp.
In a formal written statement issued hours later, Trump described Wray as “an impeccably qualified individual, and I know that he will again serve his country as a fierce guardian of the law and model of integrity once the Senate confirms him to lead the FBI.”
Wray said in the statement that he was honored to be nominated. “I look forward to serving the American people with integrity as the leader of what I know firsthand to be an extraordinary group of men and women who have dedicated their careers to protecting this country,” he said.
Wray is a partner in the law firm of King & Spalding, overseeing its government investigations practice. The unit represents companies and individuals in white-collar criminal and regulatory enforcement matters.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Wray “combines a brilliant legal mind, outstanding accomplishments and a proven record of public service,” including a superb performance “during the incredibly intense period after 9/11.”
Wray is a personal attorney for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a major supporter of Trump, and represented him during the “Bridgegate” controversy. In that case, three Christie aides were convicted of closing lanes on the George Washington Bridge to punish a mayor who had opposed the governor. Christie was never charged with any wrongdoing.