Trump Floats Investigation of FBI Director Christopher Wray Days After Comey Indictment
In a stunning escalation of his campaign against former law enforcement leaders, President Donald Trump told NBC News in a phone interview that an investigation into current FBI Director Christopher Wray “could very well be underway.” The comments came just days after the Justice Department unsealed an indictment against former FBI chief James B. Comey, signaling a widening crackdown on Trump’s perceived political enemies.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has led the bureau since 2017—but his tenure may now be under threat. (Credit: The New York Times)
What Trump Said—and Why It Matters
“Chris Wray? We’re looking at a lot of things. A lot of people did a lot of bad things,” Trump told NBC. “An investigation could very well be underway. You’ll see.”
Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017 to restore credibility after the firing of James Comey, has increasingly drawn the president’s ire for refusing to publicly endorse Trump’s claims of election fraud and for overseeing investigations into Trump allies.
Timeline of Tensions
- 2017: Trump appoints Wray as FBI director, calling him “a man of integrity”
- 2020: Wray refuses to back Trump’s unfounded voter fraud claims
- 2023–2025: FBI investigates multiple Trump associates, including aides linked to classified document handling
- Sept. 25, 2025: Justice Department indicts James Comey on obstruction charges
- Sept. 28, 2025: Trump publicly suggests Wray is under investigation
FBI Directors in Trump’s Crosshairs
| Name | Tenure | Trump’s Stance | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Comey | 2013–2017 | Fired in 2017; now indicted | Charged with obstruction |
| Christopher Wray | 2017–present | Once praised, now targeted | Subject of rumored DOJ probe |
| Robert Mueller | 2013–2017 (Special Counsel) | Called “a disgrace” | Not indicted, but under scrutiny |
Legal Experts React
Constitutional scholars warn that targeting the FBI director could undermine the independence of federal law enforcement.
- Barbara McQuade (Former U.S. Attorney): “This is weaponization of the Justice Department at its worst.”
- Jack Goldsmith (Harvard Law): “If Wray is investigated for doing his job, it sets a dangerous precedent.”
- Norm Eisen (Former Ethics Czar): “This looks less like justice and more like retribution.”
Political Fallout
Senate Democrats have called for hearings on the politicization of the DOJ, while some Republicans remain silent. House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to comment, saying only that “the president has every right to ensure accountability.”
Wray has not responded publicly. The Justice Department and FBI declined to confirm or deny any investigation.
What’s at Stake?
If Wray is formally investigated—or worse, removed—it could:
- Erode public trust in the FBI’s neutrality
- Trigger resignations from senior bureau officials
- Intensify global concerns about U.S. democratic backsliding
- Set a precedent for future presidents to purge law enforcement
As one former FBI official put it: “This isn’t about Wray. It’s about whether the FBI serves the president—or the Constitution.”
