Trump picks new FBI chief
Christopher Wray is no stranger to cases with political reverberations
Christopher Wray known for smarts, integrity,
President Trump’s pick to run the FBI, Christopher Wray, oversaw efforts to combat terrorism after 9/11 and has been on both sides of investigations that approached the top of the political ladder.
Friends and former colleagues call Wray a smart lawyer with integrity who will instill confidence in a bureau in the eye of a political storm.
“He’s very even-keeled with a great sense of humor, a calm presence in midst of chaotic times,” said Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., a former U.S. attorney who served on a Justice Department corporate fraud task force that Wray led.
Wray may face questions, however, from Democrats looking for law enforcement independence because of his roles in public and private practice, including representing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — a Trump ally — during the George Washington Bridge lane-closure scandal.
Trump announced the selection Wednesday on Twitter, calling Wray “a man of impeccable credentials.”
A formal White House announcement cited Wray’s work at the Justice Department, including heading the criminal division and overseeing actions in the war on terrorism after 9/11.
Wray has been on both sides of investigations touching top political leaders. Along with representing Christie, he led a Justice Department task force that won convictions against officials of Enron, an energy firm whose CEO, Ken Lay, was Bush’s biggest contributor.
“He has experience, knowledge and integrity,” said Michael Chertoff, Wray’s predecessor as head of the criminal division.
But Wray’s implementation of the Justice Department’s approach to corporate wrongdoers — including agreements that let companies avoid prosecution if they submit to outside monitors and paying charities — could be a point of contention.
On Wednesday, the White House touted Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to stop using corporate fraud cases to create “slush funds” for politically favored programs, apparently unaware that Christie and Wray had worked together on an investigation of pharmaceutical firm Bristol-Myers Squibb that led to a much-criticized $5 million payment to Seton Hall Law School, Christie’s alma mater.
“I hope the Senate will examine Mr. Wray’s role in the Justice Department’s use of deferred and non-prosecution agreements,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J.
After leaving the government in 2005 to work at King & Spalding law firm, he represented Christie when prosecutors began investigating reports that toll lanes to the George Washington Bridge were closed in retaliation against a mayor who did not endorse Christie.
State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat, said she did not fault Wray for representing Christie but worried about the nominee appearing to have pre-existing loyalties.
“We need experience and the background to do the job, and most important, we need independence and non-partisanship,” Weinberg said.
Wray had been an assistant U.S. attorney since 1997 when he was tapped to join the Justice Department in 2001.
If confirmed, Wray would succeed James Comey, whom Trump fired abruptly last month. Comey will testify Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his talks with Trump.
“He’s very even-keeled ... a calm presence in midst of chaotic times.” Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa.