GOP Senator 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. Wray was nominated and confirmed by Trump in 2017 for a 10-year term. Rounds praised Wray’s performance but stated he would evaluate Patel fairly during the confirmation process.
Senator Ted Cruz voiced confidence in Patel’s confirmation, along with other Cabinet nominees. Senator Chuck Grassley criticized Wray’s leadership but did not explicitly endorse Patel’s nomination. The Biden administration adheres to the tradition of FBI directors serving full terms, citing Wray’s nomination by Trump and subsequent retention by Biden.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin criticized Trump’s attempt to replace Wray with Patel, calling it an unprecedented effort to use the FBI for political retribution. He urged the Senate to reject Patel’s confirmation and emphasized the importance of the FBI being insulated from partisanship. Overall, there is support for Wray’s tenure and skepticism about Patel’s nomination within the GOP and among Democrats.
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