US President Donald Trump, who in recent days has targeted a number of his political rivals in what is being described as a campaign of retribution, has now set his vengeful eyes on a former ally: Ex-FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he himself hand-picked in 2017. In a Saturday (Sep 27) tirade on Truth Social, Trump accused Wray of lying about the FBI’s role in the notorious January 6 Capitol attack, just days after former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on charges of obstruction and false statements.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petro-hits-back-at-us-says-i-don-t-need-your-visa-i-m-a-free-citizen-of-the-world-1759034499375">Petro hits back at US, says ‘I don’t need your visa, I’m a free citizen of the world’</a><h2>Trump slams Wray for 'lying' to the country</h2>Trump seized on a Blaze News article that claimed 274 FBI agents were present at the Capitol during the riot, though the report itself clarified they were deployed only after violence erupted, not embedded beforehand.Calling the Capitol riots a "Hoax" Trump wrote, “It was just revealed that the FBI had secretly placed, against all Rules, Regulations, Protocols, and Standards, 274 FBI Agents into the Crowd just prior to, and during, the January 6th Hoax,” while insisting Wray had misled the country.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cheers-comey-indictment-hints-more-opponents-could-face-charges-not-a-list-but-1758944144224">Trump cheers Comey indictment, hints more opponents could face charges: 'Not a list, but...'</a>The POTUS then suggested the agents acted as “agitators and insurrectionists,” not law enforcement. “That’s right, as it now turns out, FBI Agents were at, and in, the January 6th Protest, probably acting as Agitators and Insurrectionists, but certainly not as ‘Law Enforcement Officials’.”“That’s two in a row, Comey and Wray, who got caught LYING, with our Great Country at stake,” he said, slamming former FBI director James Comey who he recently labelled a “dirty cop”.Trump hinted that Wray could soon face legal jeopardy similar to Comey, declaring: “I owe this investigation of ‘Dirty Cops and Crooked Politicians’ to them! Christopher Wray, the then Director of the FBI, has some major explaining to do”<h2>Who is Christopher Wray?</h2>Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017 after Comey’s firing. He resigned in 2024 rather than be dismissed after his relationship with Trump turned sour. His departure cleared the way for Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist, to lead the FBI.Patel has since joined Attorney General Pam Bondi in pursuing investigations into Trump’s political enemies. Comey was recently indicted with making false statements and obstruction of justice over his handling of the FBI’s probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether Trump’s campaign colluded with Moscow. He faces up to five years in prison. Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric signals Wray may be the next to face similar charges. &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has launched a political attack on former FBI Director Christopher Wray—whom he personally appointed—by accusing him of lying about the FBI's role in the January 6 Capitol attack. Here's all you need to know.

US President Donald Trump, who in recent days has targeted a number of his political rivals in what is being described as a campaign of retribution, has now set his vengeful eyes on a former ally: Ex-FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he himself hand-picked in 2017. In a Saturday (Sep 27) tirade on Truth Social, Trump accused Wray of lying about the FBI’s role in the notorious January 6 Capitol attack, just days after former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on charges of obstruction and false statements. Also read | Petro hits back at US, says ‘I don’t need your visa, I’m a free citizen of the world’ Trump slams Wray for 'lying' to the country Trump seized on a Blaze News article that claimed 274 FBI agents were present at the Capitol during the riot, though the report itself clarified they were deployed only after violence erupted, not embedded beforehand. Calling the Capitol riots a "Hoax" Trump wrote, “It was just revealed that the FBI had secretly placed, against all Rules, Regulations, Protocols, and Standards, 274 FBI Agents into the Crowd just prior to, and during, the January 6th Hoax,” while insisting Wray had misled the country. Also read | Trump cheers Comey indictment, hints more opponents could face charges: 'Not a list, but...' The POTUS then suggested the agents acted as “agitators and insurrectionists,” not law enforcement. “That’s right, as it now turns out, FBI Agents were at, and in, the January 6th Protest, probably acting as Agitators and Insurrectionists, but certainly not as ‘Law Enforcement Officials’.” “That’s two in a row, Comey and Wray, who got caught LYING, with our Great Country at stake,” he said, slamming former FBI director James Comey who he recently labelled a “dirty cop”. Trump hinted that Wray could soon face legal jeopardy similar to Comey, declaring: “I owe this investigation of ‘Dirty Cops and Crooked Politicians’ to them! Christopher Wray, the then Director of the FBI, has some major explaining to do” Who is Christopher Wray? Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017 after Comey’s firing. He resigned in 2024 rather than be dismissed after his relationship with Trump turned sour. His departure cleared the way for Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist, to lead the FBI. Patel has since joined Attorney General Pam Bondi in pursuing investigations into Trump’s political enemies. Comey was recently indicted with making false statements and obstruction of justice over his handling of the FBI’s probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether Trump’s campaign colluded with Moscow. He faces up to five years in prison. Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric signals Wray may be the next to face similar charges.

US President Donald Trump has launched a political attack on former FBI Director Christopher Wray—whom he personally appointed—by accusing him of lying about the FBI's role in the January 6 Capitol attack. Here's all you need to know.

‘Dirty cops’: Trump turns on ex-FBI ally Christopher Wray, accuses him of Capitol cover-up

FBI Director&nbsp;Christopher&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;announced on Wednesday (Dec 11) that he will resign in January before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

"After weeks of careful thought, I've decided the right thing for the bureau&nbsp;is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down,"&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;told bureau employees in remarks released by the FBI.

Trump, who is to be sworn in as president on January 20, has announced the nomination of staunch loyalist Kash Patel to replace&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;as the head of the top US law enforcement agency and he welcomed the FBI chief's resignation.

Wray&nbsp;was named by Trump in 2017 to head the 38,000-strong Federal Bureau of Intelligence but the incoming president has since soured on his choice.

Wray&nbsp;had three more years remaining in his 10-year term as FBI director but faced potentially being fired by Trump.

"The resignation of&nbsp;Christopher&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-invites-xi-to-attend-jan-20-inauguration-as-beijing-braces-for-massive-tariffs-783339">Trump invites Xi to attend Jan 20 inauguration as Beijing braces for massive tariffs</a>

"Under the leadership of&nbsp;Christopher&nbsp;Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America," Trump said.

The FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022 to recover top-secret documents taken without authorisation from the White House.

Trump was indicted for mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice but the case was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge.

<h2>'Above partisanship and politics'</h2>

Wray, in his remarks to the FBI workforce, said stepping down "is the best&nbsp;way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing&nbsp;the values&nbsp;and principles&nbsp;that are so important&nbsp;to how we do our work."

"In terms of how we do the work, we've got to maintain our independence and objectivity -- staying above partisanship and politics," he said. "That's what the American people expect of us and that's what they deserve."

Patel, a former Trump advisor and Pentagon official, has been critical of the FBI and is known for his controversial views.

A fierce defender of the incoming president, Patel supports the Republican hardliner notion of an anti-Trump "deep state" of allegedly biased government bureaucrats working to stifle Trump from behind the scenes, even having written a book on the subject.

A son of Indian immigrants, Patel served in several high-level posts during Trump's first term including as a national security advisor and as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary.

Watch:&nbsp;US: What A Reelected Trump Can And Can't Do To Sway The Fed?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-what-a-reelected-trump-can-and-cant-do-to-sway-the-fed-783061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump, in his Truth Social post, accused law enforcement officials of using "their vast powers to threaten and destroy many innocent Americans, some of which will never be able to recover from what has been done to them."

"Kash Patel is the most qualified Nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency's History, and is committed to helping ensure that Law, Order, and Justice will be brought back to our Country again, and soon," he said.

"I look forward to Kash Patel's confirmation so that the process of Making the FBI Great Again can begin."

Attorney General Merrick Garland praised&nbsp;Wray's "principled leadership" of the FBI, saying he had served "honourably and with integrity."

"The director of the FBI is responsible for protecting the independence of the FBI from inappropriate influence in its criminal investigations," Garland said in a statement. "That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and to protecting the freedoms we as Americans hold dear."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.&nbsp;

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday (Dec 11) that he will resign in January before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. "After weeks of careful thought, I've decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down," Wray told bureau employees in remarks released by the FBI.

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday (Dec 11) that he will resign in January before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. "After weeks of careful thought, I've decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down," Wray told bureau employees in remarks released by the FBI. Trump, who is to be sworn in as president on January 20, has announced the nomination of staunch loyalist Kash Patel to replace Wray as the head of the top US law enforcement agency and he welcomed the FBI chief's resignation. Wray was named by Trump in 2017 to head the 38,000-strong Federal Bureau of Intelligence but the incoming president has since soured on his choice. Wray had three more years remaining in his 10-year term as FBI director but faced potentially being fired by Trump. "The resignation of Christopher Wray is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Also Read: Trump invites Xi to attend Jan 20 inauguration as Beijing braces for massive tariffs "Under the leadership of Christopher Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America," Trump said. The FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022 to recover top-secret documents taken without authorisation from the White House. Trump was indicted for mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice but the case was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge. 'Above partisanship and politics' Wray, in his remarks to the FBI workforce, said stepping down "is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work." "In terms of how we do the work, we've got to maintain our independence and objectivity -- staying above partisanship and politics," he said. "That's what the American people expect of us and that's what they deserve." Patel, a former Trump advisor and Pentagon official, has been critical of the FBI and is known for his controversial views. A fierce defender of the incoming president, Patel supports the Republican hardliner notion of an anti-Trump "deep state" of allegedly biased government bureaucrats working to stifle Trump from behind the scenes, even having written a book on the subject. A son of Indian immigrants, Patel served in several high-level posts during Trump's first term including as a national security advisor and as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary. Watch: US: What A Reelected Trump Can And Can't Do To Sway The Fed? Trump, in his Truth Social post, accused law enforcement officials of using "their vast powers to threaten and destroy many innocent Americans, some of which will never be able to recover from what has been done to them." "Kash Patel is the most qualified Nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency's History, and is committed to helping ensure that Law, Order, and Justice will be brought back to our Country again, and soon," he said. "I look forward to Kash Patel's confirmation so that the process of Making the FBI Great Again can begin." Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray's "principled leadership" of the FBI, saying he had served "honourably and with integrity." "The director of the FBI is responsible for protecting the independence of the FBI from inappropriate influence in its criminal investigations," Garland said in a statement. "That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and to protecting the freedoms we as Americans hold dear." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

FBI chief Christopher Wray to step down before Trump takes office on Jan 20

Former US president Donald Trump has called for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray to resign from his post for lying about President Joe Biden's cognitive health.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, "I watched the Congressional Hearing today as Christopher Wray was asked the question whether or not he noticed any Cognitive Degeneration in his many conversations with Crooked Joe Biden and, despite the fact that Special Counsel Robert Hur said, effectively, that Joe Biden is INCOMPETENT, with LITTLE MEMORY, etc., Wray said that 'it is not something I observed during my interactions with him, which were uneventful and unremarkable,' essentially stating that he found nothing wrong, mentally or physically, with 'Joe,'."

This comes after FBI Director Wray testified on Trump's assassination bid before the House Judiciary Committee. During the proceeding, he was asked when he began to notice "cognitive decline" in Biden by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. To which Wray answered by saying that he didn't meet the President often "but what you're describing is not something that I've observed during my interactions."

"If that is the case, Director Wray should resign immediately from the FBI, and stop 'sweet talking' Congress every time he goes up, which he loves to do, because anybody can see that Joe Biden is cognitively and physically challenged, and if you can’t see that, you sure as hell can’t be running the FBI - Unless, that is, you want to illegally lead the Raid on Mar-a-Lago. Wray has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS!" Trump added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shooter-thomas-crooks-likely-social-media-account-that-he-used-to-support-biden-revealed-744200">Thomas Crooks' likely social media account that he used to support Biden found</a>

On Trump assassination bid, Wray said that an FBI investigation is underway. According to the FBI director, the federal agency has been analysing Crooks' movements and social media activity but it could not find the motive behind the attack on Trumo.

“We do not know the motive. That is obviously one of the central questions in our investigation, and it's been very frustrating to us that a lot of the usual kind of low-hanging-fruit places that we would find that have not yielded significant clues about his motive,” Wray said.

Meanwhile, the US political landscape is shaking as President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump called Harris a "radical left lunatic" and said that she would "destroy our country if she's elected.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump has called for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray to resign from his post for lying about President Joe Biden's cognitive health.

Former US president Donald Trump has called for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray to resign from his post for lying about President Joe Biden's cognitive health. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, "I watched the Congressional Hearing today as Christopher Wray was asked the question whether or not he noticed any Cognitive Degeneration in his many conversations with Crooked Joe Biden and, despite the fact that Special Counsel Robert Hur said, effectively, that Joe Biden is INCOMPETENT, with LITTLE MEMORY, etc., Wray said that 'it is not something I observed during my interactions with him, which were uneventful and unremarkable,' essentially stating that he found nothing wrong, mentally or physically, with 'Joe,'." This comes after FBI Director Wray testified on Trump's assassination bid before the House Judiciary Committee. During the proceeding, he was asked when he began to notice "cognitive decline" in Biden by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. To which Wray answered by saying that he didn't meet the President often "but what you're describing is not something that I've observed during my interactions." "If that is the case, Director Wray should resign immediately from the FBI, and stop 'sweet talking' Congress every time he goes up, which he loves to do, because anybody can see that Joe Biden is cognitively and physically challenged, and if you can’t see that, you sure as hell can’t be running the FBI - Unless, that is, you want to illegally lead the Raid on Mar-a-Lago. Wray has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS!" Trump added. Also read: Thomas Crooks' likely social media account that he used to support Biden found On Trump assassination bid, Wray said that an FBI investigation is underway. According to the FBI director, the federal agency has been analysing Crooks' movements and social media activity but it could not find the motive behind the attack on Trumo. “We do not know the motive. That is obviously one of the central questions in our investigation, and it's been very frustrating to us that a lot of the usual kind of low-hanging-fruit places that we would find that have not yielded significant clues about his motive,” Wray said. Meanwhile, the US political landscape is shaking as President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump called Harris a "radical left lunatic" and said that she would "destroy our country if she's elected. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump blasts FBI Director Wray, demands his resignation over Biden health cover-up

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief said on Thursday that Chinese government-linked hackers have burrowed into US critical infrastructure and are waiting "for just the right moment to deal a devastating blow".&nbsp;

During a speech at Vanderbilt University, Wray said that an ongoing Chinese hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon has successfully gained access to numerous American companies in telecommunications, energy, water and other critical sectors. He said 23 pipeline operators are targeted.&nbsp;

"The PRC [People's Republic of China] has made it clear that it considers every sector that makes our society run as fair game in its bid to dominate on the world stage, and that its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break America’s will to resist,&nbsp;Wray further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-countries-to-give-more-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine-says-stoltenberg-713126">NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg</a>&nbsp;

In order to tackle the threats, the FBI chief suggested that partnerships with both the private sector and academia can turn out to be powerful tools.&nbsp;

Wray added that the threat from China is hybrid, which involves crime, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity. He said that the FBI is countering these threats with resources from all three missional spheres.&nbsp;

He said that the threat is partially "driven by the CCP's aspirations to wealth and power". He added that China wants to "seize economic development in the areas most critical to tomorrow's economy," even if doing so requires theft.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-consulate-in-paris-closed-off-after-man-enters-with-explosives-713068">French police arrest man after he threatens to blow himself up at Iranian consulate in Paris</a>&nbsp;

He claimed that the Chinese government has tried to pilfer "intellectual property, technology, and research" from nearly every industry in the US economy.&nbsp;

This comes after a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said earlier this week that the Volt Typhoon was in fact unrelated to China's government, but is part of a criminal ransomware group.&nbsp;

In a statement, China's Embassy in Washington referred back to the MFA spokesperson's comment. "Some in the US have been using origin-tracing of cyberattacks as a tool to hit and frame China, claiming the US to be the victim while it's the other way round, and politicizing cybersecurity issues."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief said on Thursday that Chinese government-linked hackers have burrowed into US critical infrastructure and are waiting "for just the right moment to deal a devastating blow".

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief said on Thursday that Chinese government-linked hackers have burrowed into US critical infrastructure and are waiting "for just the right moment to deal a devastating blow". During a speech at Vanderbilt University, Wray said that an ongoing Chinese hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon has successfully gained access to numerous American companies in telecommunications, energy, water and other critical sectors. He said 23 pipeline operators are targeted. "The PRC [People's Republic of China] has made it clear that it considers every sector that makes our society run as fair game in its bid to dominate on the world stage, and that its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break America’s will to resist, Wray further said. Also read: NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg In order to tackle the threats, the FBI chief suggested that partnerships with both the private sector and academia can turn out to be powerful tools. Wray added that the threat from China is hybrid, which involves crime, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity. He said that the FBI is countering these threats with resources from all three missional spheres. He said that the threat is partially "driven by the CCP's aspirations to wealth and power". He added that China wants to "seize economic development in the areas most critical to tomorrow's economy," even if doing so requires theft. Also read: French police arrest man after he threatens to blow himself up at Iranian consulate in Paris He claimed that the Chinese government has tried to pilfer "intellectual property, technology, and research" from nearly every industry in the US economy. This comes after a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said earlier this week that the Volt Typhoon was in fact unrelated to China's government, but is part of a criminal ransomware group. In a statement, China's Embassy in Washington referred back to the MFA spokesperson's comment. "Some in the US have been using origin-tracing of cyberattacks as a tool to hit and frame China, claiming the US to be the victim while it's the other way round, and politicizing cybersecurity issues." (With inputs from agencies)

FBI chief says Chinese hackers pose threat to US critical infrastructure

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned lawmakers Thursday that there is a growing fear among law enforcement officials of a “coordinated attack” inside the US — weeks after an ISIS assault on a concert hall in Moscow killed 145 people and wounded hundreds more.

FBI Chief warns of possible terror attack on the US

Amid the controversy over an attempt to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said on Wednesday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray is likely to visit India next week.

FBI Chief Christopher Wray set to visit India, first India visit in 12 years | World DNA

A warning has come from a top US law enforcement official FBI Director Christopher Wray has urged the United States Congress to renew the country's spy program to ensure Public Safety.

FBI Chief Christopher Wray warns of terror threats to America, calls for renewal of spy program

In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday. Strzok and Page are suing the federal government separately over their exits from the FBI, but their lawyers are reportedly working together.

The report further mentioned that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the closed-door deposition took place on Tuesday. It is said that it may pave the way for former president Donald Trump's sworn deposition in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that many of Trump's attacks were based on private text messages between Strzok and Page, discovered by internal investigators.&nbsp;

Strzok was a former top FBI counterintelligence official and was fired by the FBI in 2018 after the anti-Trump texts were revealed, that he had exchanged with a top lawyer at the bureau, Lisa Page. He sued the Justice Department alleging he was terminated improperly.&nbsp;

Page claims in her lawsuit that the Justice Department and FBI violated the Privacy Act by publicly releasing her private text messages. She says that the texts were used "to promote the false narrative that [she] and others at the FBI were biased against President Trump, had conspired to undermine him, and otherwise had engaged in allegedly criminal acts, including treason."&nbsp;

Lawyers for Page said in court: "There is ample evidence that President Trump has long been fixated on — and in some instances personally involved in — matters relating to Ms. Page and Mr. Strzok."&nbsp;

The issue goes back to 2016 when Strzok helped to start a probe into alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. The former president claimed that the allegations are 'hoax'.&nbsp;

In May, the Justice Department requested a judge to halt Trump's deposition in the case and argued that Wray should be deposed first.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday.

In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday. Strzok and Page are suing the federal government separately over their exits from the FBI, but their lawyers are reportedly working together. The report further mentioned that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the closed-door deposition took place on Tuesday. It is said that it may pave the way for former president Donald Trump's sworn deposition in the coming weeks. The report mentioned that many of Trump's attacks were based on private text messages between Strzok and Page, discovered by internal investigators. Strzok was a former top FBI counterintelligence official and was fired by the FBI in 2018 after the anti-Trump texts were revealed, that he had exchanged with a top lawyer at the bureau, Lisa Page. He sued the Justice Department alleging he was terminated improperly. Page claims in her lawsuit that the Justice Department and FBI violated the Privacy Act by publicly releasing her private text messages. She says that the texts were used "to promote the false narrative that [she] and others at the FBI were biased against President Trump, had conspired to undermine him, and otherwise had engaged in allegedly criminal acts, including treason." Lawyers for Page said in court: "There is ample evidence that President Trump has long been fixated on — and in some instances personally involved in — matters relating to Ms. Page and Mr. Strzok." The issue goes back to 2016 when Strzok helped to start a probe into alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. The former president claimed that the allegations are 'hoax'. In May, the Justice Department requested a judge to halt Trump's deposition in the case and argued that Wray should be deposed first. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FBI director Christopher Wray deposed under oath in lawsuit over FBI agent's firing

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray expressed concern over reports of police stations linked to the Chinese government springing up across the US cities.

Speaking at the US Senate’s homeland security and governmental affairs committee hearing, Wray said that the bureau is investigating these claims, but declined to give further details.

I’m very concerned about this. We are aware of the existence of these stations,” Wray told the lawmakers.

“But to me, it is outrageous to think that the Chinese police would attempt to set up shop, you know, in New York, let’s say, without proper coordination. It violates the sovereignty and circumvents standard judicial and law enforcement cooperation processes.”

When asked by Republican Senator Rick Scott if such stations violated US law, Wray said that the FBI was “looking into the legal parameters”, reports BBC.

Apprehensions of a Chinese police station emerged after NGO Safeguard Defenders in its September report revealed the presence of these establishments across the world, including New York.

<h2>WION Dispatch | FBI: TikTok a threat to national security of the United States</h2>

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According to the Spain-based organisation, in its investigation, it found that Chinese public security bureaus established "overseas police service stations" in several continents, including two in London and one in Glasgow. In North America, it found stations in Toronto and in New York.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-says-tiktok-poses-national-security-threat-535009">FBI director says TikTok poses ‘national security threat’, gives Beijing access to data, devices</a>

It is said that police stations were created to tackle transnational crime and to provide administrative services to Chinese nationals abroad, such as renewing driver's licences abroad and other consular services

The NGO, however, believes that they also serve a "more sinister goal", by contributing to "cracking down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities involving overseas Chinese".

The report prompted the Irish government to order to close one of the Chinese "police stations" in Dublin.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray expressed concern over reports of police stations linked to the Chinese government springing up across the US cities.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray expressed concern over reports of police stations linked to the Chinese government springing up across the US cities. Speaking at the US Senate’s homeland security and governmental affairs committee hearing, Wray said that the bureau is investigating these claims, but declined to give further details. I’m very concerned about this. We are aware of the existence of these stations,” Wray told the lawmakers. “But to me, it is outrageous to think that the Chinese police would attempt to set up shop, you know, in New York, let’s say, without proper coordination. It violates the sovereignty and circumvents standard judicial and law enforcement cooperation processes.” When asked by Republican Senator Rick Scott if such stations violated US law, Wray said that the FBI was “looking into the legal parameters”, reports BBC. Apprehensions of a Chinese police station emerged after NGO Safeguard Defenders in its September report revealed the presence of these establishments across the world, including New York. WION Dispatch | FBI: TikTok a threat to national security of the United States According to the Spain-based organisation, in its investigation, it found that Chinese public security bureaus established "overseas police service stations" in several continents, including two in London and one in Glasgow. In North America, it found stations in Toronto and in New York. Also read | FBI director says TikTok poses ‘national security threat’, gives Beijing access to data, devices It is said that police stations were created to tackle transnational crime and to provide administrative services to Chinese nationals abroad, such as renewing driver's licences abroad and other consular services The NGO, however, believes that they also serve a "more sinister goal", by contributing to "cracking down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities involving overseas Chinese". The report prompted the Irish government to order to close one of the Chinese "police stations" in Dublin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FBI probing presence of Chinese ‘police station’ in New York, says chief Wray

Russia said on Friday it would ban a string of top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration from entering the country.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the foreign ministry said.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-russia-to-expel-us-diplomats-sanction-officials-378028" hreflang="en">'Tit-for-Tat': Russia to expel US diplomats, sanction officials</a>

Also on the list were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton and ex-head of the CIA James Woolsey.

The ministry said the officials had "participated in the anti-Russian push" of US politics.&nbsp;

Lists of officials banned from entry are usually kept secret, but the ministry said it was revealing the names due to the "unprecedented nature" of the current tensions with Washington.&nbsp;

Russia said on Friday it would ban a string of top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration from entering the country. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the foreign ministry said.

Russia said on Friday it would ban a string of top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration from entering the country. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the foreign ministry said. ALso read | 'Tit-for-Tat': Russia to expel US diplomats, sanction officials Also on the list were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton and ex-head of the CIA James Woolsey. The ministry said the officials had "participated in the anti-Russian push" of US politics. Lists of officials banned from entry are usually kept secret, but the ministry said it was revealing the names due to the "unprecedented nature" of the current tensions with Washington.

Russia bans FBI head, other top US officials

Terming China the greatest threat to the US economy and its democratic principles, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it is opening an investigation into China every 10 hours. 
 
Addressing the Senate Intelligence Committee members, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that "I can assure the committee that's not because our folks don't have anything to do with their time." 
 
The Senate Intelligence Committee was holding a hearing on threats to the United States from around the world.

On March 6, this year,&nbsp;Wray had said that "We have now over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government, and on the economic espionage investigation side alone it's about a 1300 per cent increase over the last several years. We're opening a new investigation into China every ten hours and I can assure the committee that's not because our folks don't have anything to do with their time." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-aims-to-become-worlds-only-superpower-says-fbi-director-311476">Also read | China aims to become world's 'only superpower', says FBI director</a>

US authorities have been accusing the Chinese government of "pursuing a campaign of intellectual property theft, economic espionage, cyber intrusions that target businesses big and small, all across the country, and academic research institutions." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/fbi-to-remove-backdoors-from-hacked-microsoft-exchange-servers-in-a-first-for-federal-agency-377445">Also read | FBI to remove backdoors from hacked Microsoft Exchange servers, in a first for federal agency</a>

The threats from China includes the covert harassment of Chinese individuals living in the United States and elsewhere, an operation that the FBI dubbed “Fox Hunt” in a series of indictments last October.&nbsp;

In November 2019, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, led by Sen. Rob Portman, released a 109-page bipartisan report concluding foreign countries "seek to exploit America's openness to advance their national interests" and "the most aggressive of them has been China."

It found China used its Thousand Talents Program, which seeks to recruit academics to gain access to proprietary information, for the past two decades to exploit access to U.S. research labs and academic institutions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Terming China the greatest threat to the US economy and its democratic principles, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it is opening an investigation into China every 10 hours.

Terming China the greatest threat to the US economy and its democratic principles, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it is opening an investigation into China every 10 hours. Addressing the Senate Intelligence Committee members, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that "I can assure the committee that's not because our folks don't have anything to do with their time." The Senate Intelligence Committee was holding a hearing on threats to the United States from around the world. On March 6, this year, Wray had said that "We have now over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government, and on the economic espionage investigation side alone it's about a 1300 per cent increase over the last several years. We're opening a new investigation into China every ten hours and I can assure the committee that's not because our folks don't have anything to do with their time." Also read | China aims to become world's 'only superpower', says FBI director US authorities have been accusing the Chinese government of "pursuing a campaign of intellectual property theft, economic espionage, cyber intrusions that target businesses big and small, all across the country, and academic research institutions." Also read | FBI to remove backdoors from hacked Microsoft Exchange servers, in a first for federal agency The threats from China includes the covert harassment of Chinese individuals living in the United States and elsewhere, an operation that the FBI dubbed “Fox Hunt” in a series of indictments last October. In November 2019, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, led by Sen. Rob Portman, released a 109-page bipartisan report concluding foreign countries "seek to exploit America's openness to advance their national interests" and "the most aggressive of them has been China." It found China used its Thousand Talents Program, which seeks to recruit academics to gain access to proprietary information, for the past two decades to exploit access to U.S. research labs and academic institutions. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI opens investigation into Chinese activity every 10 hours: Director Christopher Wray

FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned the attack on the US Capitol as "domestic terrorism," and defended the bureau's handling of intelligence of violence on January 6.

FBI Director Wray says Capitol attack was domestic terrorism

What's Fox Hunt Fox Hunt is an espionage operation kickstarted six years ago by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The covert operation was aimed at pursuing corrupt officials and business executives who had fled abroad.

What's Fox Hunt Fox Hunt is an espionage operation kickstarted six years ago by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The covert operation was aimed at pursuing corrupt officials and business executives who had fled abroad. Beijing has celebrated its claimed successes, publicising the return of hundreds of economic fugitives, and issuing wanted lists of those still at large. The Obama administration complained about the activities of undercover agents in 2015. Suppress dissent Sharing the details about the operation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday said the operation’s principal aim now was to suppress dissent among the diaspora. He told the Hudson Institute in Washington: “China describes Fox Hunt as some kind of international anti-corruption campaign. It is not. Instead, Fox Hunt is a sweeping bid by Xi to target Chinese nationals who he sees as threats and who live outside of China, across the world. “We’re talking about political rivals, dissidents and critics seeking to expose China’s extensive human rights violations.” 'Return to China or commit suicide' The FBI director said: “Hundreds of these Fox Hunt victims that they target live right here in the United States, and many are American citizens or green cardholders. The Chinese government wants to force them to return to China, and China’s tactics to accomplish that are shocking. “For example, when it couldn’t locate one Fox Hunt target, the Chinese government sent an emissary to visit the target’s family here in the US. The message they said to pass on: the target had two options, returned to China promptly or commit suicide.” Coercive tactics Wray said that Fox Hunt operations, directed by China’s ministry of public security, were also underway in other countries, and the FBI had been cooperating with its partners to foil Chinese efforts at intimidation. He said Chinese nationals in the US were often coerced by thinly veiled threats against their families back in China. Asked about other coercive tactics used, he replied: “Use your imagination. You’re not going to be far off.” He appealed to anyone in the US who thought they were a Fox Hunt target to “please reach out to your local FBI field office”. Wray portrayed China as an aggressive rival with little or no regard for international or national laws. He said that nearly half the FBI’s 5,000 active counter-intelligence cases were China-related. 2020 US presidential election Although he did not say whether China-backed either Donald Trump or his presumptive Democratic rival, Joe Biden, he claimed China was pushing its preferences for the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. “China’s malign foreign influence campaign targets our policies, our positions, 24/7, 365 days a year,” Wray said. “So it’s not an election-specific threat; it’s really more of an all-year, all-the-time threat. But certainly, that has implications for elections and they certainly have preferences that go along with that.” The FBI director said that China was also involved in mass hacking, identity theft and intellectual property espionage, and there are 1,000 investigations into “China’s actual and attempted theft of technology” in all the bureau’s 56 field offices.

All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt'

5 reasons why you should never use FaceApp

US President Donald Trump is expected to approve the release of a controversial Republican memo that reportedly shows improper surveillance of one of his campaign aides, which the FBI says is &quot;inaccurate&quot;.

The approval for release of such a memo, which is being opposed by the FBI, could come as soon as tonight.

A senior administration official told reporters aboard Air Force One that the president is expected to tell Congress that he is OK with releasing the memo.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-firing-one-trump-on-collision-course-with-new-fbi-director-31533">&nbsp;After firing one, Trump on collision course with new FBI director</a>

Requesting anonymity, the official said it is a Congressional process and that the decision was made after looking at the memo the last few days and making sure &quot;it doesn&#39;t give away too much in terms of classification&quot;.

&quot;The president is ok with it,&quot; the official said.

&quot;I doubt there will be any redactions. It&#39;s in Congress&#39; hands after that,&quot; the official said and refused to answer any further questions.

Trump&#39;s reported decision comes a day after the FBI went public about the release of the memo.

Some White House official fear that this might result in the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Once Trump gives his approval, it would be up to the House intelligence committee to take a final call on the report&#39;s release.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes is under pressure from the opposition Democrats and some of his own Republican lawmakers not to release the memo.

They side with officials of the FBI and many in the Department of Justice and feel the report is misleading and could expose sensitive and classified information.

On January 31, 2018, the FBI released a rare statement to express their &quot;grave concerns about the material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact the memo&#39;s accuracy&quot;.

A top Democrat lawmaker, Adam Schiff, who is also a ranking member of the intelligence committee, has accused Nunes of altering the memo.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, issued a strong warning to the Republicans against issuing the memo.

&quot;Speaker Paul Ryan, Chairman Nunes and House Republicans? reckless decision to release a bogus, partisan memo, pushes the GOP&#39;s campaign to cover-up for President Trump to a new, completely unacceptable extreme,&quot; she alleged.

&quot;It seems to reflect either a wilful disregard or ignorance of the importance of separation of three branches of government which seem to be eroding right now. So, that on its face is kind of disturbing,&quot; said James Clapper, the former Director of National Intelligence.

Meanwhile, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler, sent a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, to request an emergency briefing with FBI Director Wray, on his concerns regarding the memo.

The memo, Nadler alleged, is &quot;a set of misleading talking points drafted by the Republican staff of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

&quot;The White House plans to release it to the public in an attempt to discredit the FBI and undermine Special Counsel Robert Mueller?s Russia investigation,&quot; Nadler said.

House Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer said the report was intended &quot;to undermine the Special Counsel&#39;s independent investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia&quot;.

In a separate statement, FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) president Thomas O&#39;Connor opposed the release of the memo.

&quot;The FBI Agents Association appreciates FBI Director Chris Wray standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of the FBI as we work together to protect our country from criminal and national security threats,&quot; said O&#39;Connor.

He said the agency&#39;s special agents remain professional and focused on protecting the US from terrorists and criminals.

&quot;Special agents take a solemn oath to our country and to the constitution, and the American public continues to be well-served by the world?s preeminent law enforcement agency,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

A senior administration official told reporters aboard Air Force One that the president is expected to tell Congress that he is OK with releasing the memo.

US President Donald Trump is expected to approve the release of a controversial Republican memo that reportedly shows improper surveillance of one of his campaign aides, which the FBI says is "inaccurate". The approval for release of such a memo, which is being opposed by the FBI, could come as soon as tonight. A senior administration official told reporters aboard Air Force One that the president is expected to tell Congress that he is OK with releasing the memo. Also read: After firing one, Trump on collision course with new FBI director Requesting anonymity, the official said it is a Congressional process and that the decision was made after looking at the memo the last few days and making sure "it doesn't give away too much in terms of classification". "The president is ok with it," the official said. "I doubt there will be any redactions. It's in Congress' hands after that," the official said and refused to answer any further questions. Trump's reported decision comes a day after the FBI went public about the release of the memo. Some White House official fear that this might result in the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray. Once Trump gives his approval, it would be up to the House intelligence committee to take a final call on the report's release. House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes is under pressure from the opposition Democrats and some of his own Republican lawmakers not to release the memo. They side with officials of the FBI and many in the Department of Justice and feel the report is misleading and could expose sensitive and classified information. On January 31, 2018, the FBI released a rare statement to express their "grave concerns about the material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact the memo's accuracy". A top Democrat lawmaker, Adam Schiff, who is also a ranking member of the intelligence committee, has accused Nunes of altering the memo. Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, issued a strong warning to the Republicans against issuing the memo. "Speaker Paul Ryan, Chairman Nunes and House Republicans? reckless decision to release a bogus, partisan memo, pushes the GOP's campaign to cover-up for President Trump to a new, completely unacceptable extreme," she alleged. "It seems to reflect either a wilful disregard or ignorance of the importance of separation of three branches of government which seem to be eroding right now. So, that on its face is kind of disturbing," said James Clapper, the former Director of National Intelligence. Meanwhile, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler, sent a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, to request an emergency briefing with FBI Director Wray, on his concerns regarding the memo. The memo, Nadler alleged, is "a set of misleading talking points drafted by the Republican staff of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. "The White House plans to release it to the public in an attempt to discredit the FBI and undermine Special Counsel Robert Mueller?s Russia investigation," Nadler said. House Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer said the report was intended "to undermine the Special Counsel's independent investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia". In a separate statement, FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) president Thomas O'Connor opposed the release of the memo. "The FBI Agents Association appreciates FBI Director Chris Wray standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of the FBI as we work together to protect our country from criminal and national security threats," said O'Connor. He said the agency's special agents remain professional and focused on protecting the US from terrorists and criminals. "Special agents take a solemn oath to our country and to the constitution, and the American public continues to be well-served by the world?s preeminent law enforcement agency," he said.

Trump likely to approve release of secret surveillance memo

FBI Director Christopher Wray was hand-picked by Donald Trump to head a law enforcement agency the US president believed was biased against him.

Now, just six months into his tenure, the 50-year-old Wray finds himself on a collision course with a president who has already fired one FBI director.

CNN reported Thursday that Wray could quit if Trump goes ahead and approves the release of a secret memo at the center of a political firestorm in Washington.

The four-page memo reportedly reveals abuse at the FBI and Justice Department in connection with surveillance of a member of Trump&#39;s 2016 presidential campaign who had ties to Russia.

Wray&#39;s FBI, in an unusual public statement Wednesday, expressed concerns about the document, drafted by the staff of Devin Nunes, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

&quot;We have grave concerns about material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact the memo&#39;s accuracy,&quot; the FBI said.

While the statement was unsigned, it was clear that it would not have been issued without a green light from the new FBI director.

Wray has mostly flown under the radar since replacing the fired Comey as head of the 30,000-strong Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has been the target of Trump&#39;s ire ever since taking office.

Wray was overwhelmingly confirmed by the US Senate in August, three months after Trump sacked Comey amid an FBI probe into whether members of Trump&#39;s campaign had colluded with Russia to get him elected.

That investigation, which Trump has denounced as a &quot;witch hunt,&quot; is now in the hands of special counsel Robert Mueller, himself a former FBI director.

Democratic lawmakers are claiming the Intelligence Committee memo is part of a broader campaign aimed at discrediting the Mueller probe and protecting Trump.

&#39;Strict independence&#39; 
Wray was confirmed by a 92-5 vote, winning bipartisan backing after telling lawmakers he would resign rather than bow to political interference.

&quot;There is only one right way to do this job, and that is with strict independence,&quot; he told the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing.

&quot;You can&#39;t do a job like this without being prepared to either quit or be fired at a moment&#39;s notice you&#39;re asked to do something or confronted with something that is either illegal, unconstitutional or even morally repugnant,&quot; Wray said.

Born on December 17, 1967 in New York, Christopher Asher Wray attended the Phillips Academy boarding school before going on to Yale University.

He was executive editor of the Yale Law Journal and obtained a law degree from the university in 1992.

He joined the Justice Department in 1998 and in 2003, became assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division, where he worked under then deputy attorney general Comey.

Wray mostly oversaw fraud investigations, including that of Enron, the Texas energy firm that imploded with billions of dollars of losses.

No pulling punches 
In 2005, Wray resigned and went into private practice as a partner at the law firm King &amp; Spalding.

Wray represented major companies in litigation but also worked for Trump ally Chris Christie in the so-called &quot;Bridgegate&quot; political scandal in New Jersey.

Wray&#39;s pledge to act independently is being tested now but his standoff with the White House is not his first encounter with political pressure.

In 2004, Wray&#39;s then-boss Comey was made acting attorney general due to the illness of attorney general John Ashcroft.

When aides to president George W. Bush tried to take advantage of Ashcroft&#39;s illness to push through an extension of a controversial warrantless eavesdropping program, Wray, Comey and then-FBI director Mueller put their jobs on the line and opposed the move.

During his confirmation hearing, Wray also told senators not to be fooled by his soft-spoken manner.

&quot;I&#39;ve heard many people describe me as understated and low key,&quot; he said. &quot;No one should mistake my low-key demeanor as a lack of resolve.

&quot;Anybody who thinks that I would be pulling punches as the FBI director sure doesn&#39;t know me very well.&quot;

News reports said Thursday Christopher Wray could quit if Trump goes ahead and approves the release of a secret memo at the centre of a political firestorm in Washington

FBI Director Christopher Wray was hand-picked by Donald Trump to head a law enforcement agency the US president believed was biased against him. Now, just six months into his tenure, the 50-year-old Wray finds himself on a collision course with a president who has already fired one FBI director. CNN reported Thursday that Wray could quit if Trump goes ahead and approves the release of a secret memo at the center of a political firestorm in Washington. The four-page memo reportedly reveals abuse at the FBI and Justice Department in connection with surveillance of a member of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign who had ties to Russia. Wray's FBI, in an unusual public statement Wednesday, expressed concerns about the document, drafted by the staff of Devin Nunes, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. "We have grave concerns about material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact the memo's accuracy," the FBI said. While the statement was unsigned, it was clear that it would not have been issued without a green light from the new FBI director. Wray has mostly flown under the radar since replacing the fired Comey as head of the 30,000-strong Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has been the target of Trump's ire ever since taking office. Wray was overwhelmingly confirmed by the US Senate in August, three months after Trump sacked Comey amid an FBI probe into whether members of Trump's campaign had colluded with Russia to get him elected. That investigation, which Trump has denounced as a "witch hunt," is now in the hands of special counsel Robert Mueller, himself a former FBI director. Democratic lawmakers are claiming the Intelligence Committee memo is part of a broader campaign aimed at discrediting the Mueller probe and protecting Trump. 'Strict independence' Wray was confirmed by a 92-5 vote, winning bipartisan backing after telling lawmakers he would resign rather than bow to political interference. "There is only one right way to do this job, and that is with strict independence," he told the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing. "You can't do a job like this without being prepared to either quit or be fired at a moment's notice you're asked to do something or confronted with something that is either illegal, unconstitutional or even morally repugnant," Wray said. Born on December 17, 1967 in New York, Christopher Asher Wray attended the Phillips Academy boarding school before going on to Yale University. He was executive editor of the Yale Law Journal and obtained a law degree from the university in 1992. He joined the Justice Department in 1998 and in 2003, became assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division, where he worked under then deputy attorney general Comey. Wray mostly oversaw fraud investigations, including that of Enron, the Texas energy firm that imploded with billions of dollars of losses. No pulling punches In 2005, Wray resigned and went into private practice as a partner at the law firm King & Spalding. Wray represented major companies in litigation but also worked for Trump ally Chris Christie in the so-called "Bridgegate" political scandal in New Jersey. Wray's pledge to act independently is being tested now but his standoff with the White House is not his first encounter with political pressure. In 2004, Wray's then-boss Comey was made acting attorney general due to the illness of attorney general John Ashcroft. When aides to president George W. Bush tried to take advantage of Ashcroft's illness to push through an extension of a controversial warrantless eavesdropping program, Wray, Comey and then-FBI director Mueller put their jobs on the line and opposed the move. During his confirmation hearing, Wray also told senators not to be fooled by his soft-spoken manner. "I've heard many people describe me as understated and low key," he said. "No one should mistake my low-key demeanor as a lack of resolve. "Anybody who thinks that I would be pulling punches as the FBI director sure doesn't know me very well."

After firing one, Trump on collision course with new FBI director

President Donald Trump&#39;s pick to head the&nbsp;FBI, Christopher Wray, on Wednesday said he would refuse to pledge loyalty to Trump, rejected his description of the probe into Russian election meddling as a &quot;witch hunt,&quot; and vowed to quit if asked by the president to do something unlawful.

Wray, nominated by Trump on June 7 to replace the fired James Comey as Federal Bureau of Investigation director, sought to stake out independence from the president and protect the agency from partisan political influence. Wray even said it would be &quot;highly unlikely&quot; he would agree to meet Trump in a one-on-one situation, as Comey reluctantly did.

Wray, who seemed headed for US Senate approval to fill the 10-year post, testified during a 4 1/2-hour hour Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing amid an uproar in Washington over 2016 emails released on Tuesday involving the president&#39;s son, Donald Trump Jr.

The emails showed the Republican president&#39;s son agreeing last year to meet a woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Democratic White House rival Hillary Clinton as part of Moscow&#39;s official support for his father.

Wray deflected specific questions from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham about the president&#39;s son&#39;s emails, saying he had not read them. But Wray said, &quot;Any threats or effort to interfere with our election from any nation-state or any non-state actor is the kind of thing the&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;would want to know.&quot;

Trump&#39;s son did not notify the&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;and wrote &quot;I love it&quot; about the Russian&#39;s offer of information on Clinton.

Trump fired Comey on May 9, igniting a political firestorm, and later cited the &quot;Russia thing&quot; as his reason. The Justice Department eight days later named Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel to investigate alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race to help Trump win and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump associates.

The Russia matter has dogged Trump&#39;s first six months in office. Wray said he had no reason to doubt the US intelligence community&#39;s conclusion that Russia interfered in part by hacking and releasing emails damaging to Clinton, a claim Moscow denies.

Wray worked at the Justice Department under Republican former President George W. Bush when Comey was deputy attorney general and Mueller was&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;director. Wray also represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in a political scandal.

Trump has called the Russia probe a &quot;witch hunt.&quot;

&quot;I do not consider Director Mueller to be on a witch hunt,&quot; Wray told Graham.

Wray said he was &quot;very committed&quot; to supporting Mueller&#39;s investigation, calling him a &quot;consummate straight shooter and somebody I have enormous respect for.&quot;

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein asked Wray to inform the committee &quot;if you learn about any machinations to tamper with&quot; Mueller&#39;s probe.

&quot;Understood,&quot; Wray responded.

No loyalty oath

Wray said no one at the White House had asked that he pledge loyalty to Trump, as Comey said the president demanded of him on Jan. 26. Wray said he would not give such an assurance if asked.

&quot;My loyalty is to the Constitution, to the rule of law and to the mission of the&nbsp;FBI. And no one asked me for any kind of loyalty oath at any point during this process, and I sure as heck didn&#39;t offer one,&quot; Wray said.

Comey previously told the same committee Trump pressed him in a one-on-one session to drop the&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn&#39;s ties to Russia. Comey said he felt he was fired in a bid by Trump to undercut the Russia probe.

Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked Wray, &quot;If the president asks you to do something unlawful or unethical, what do you say?&quot;

&quot;First, I would try to talk him out of it. And if that failed, I would resign,&quot; Wray replied.

The allegation involving Trump pressing Comey on February 14 over the Flynn probe raised questions about whether Trump&#39;s behaviour amounted to obstruction of justice, a potential issue in any potential future effort in Congress to impeach the president and remove him from office.

Wray sought to differentiate himself from Comey. Wray was asked about Comey&#39;s July 2016 news conference announcing that no criminal charges were planned against Clinton over her use of a private email server to handle classified information but faulting her conduct.

&quot;I can&#39;t imagine a situation where as&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;director I would be giving a press conference on an uncharged individual, much less talk in detail about it,&quot; Wray testified.

Graham questioned Wray about a January report by the US&nbsp;news organisation Politico that a Ukrainian-American operative who was consulting for the Democratic National Committee had met with Ukrainian embassy officials in Washington in a bid to help Clinton and expose links between Trump, top campaign aide Paul Manafort and Russia.

Wray said it would be wrong for Ukraine to meddle in the election and &quot;I&#39;d be happy to dig into it.&quot;

Christopher Wray said no one at the White House had asked that he pledge loyalty to Trump, as Comey said the president demanded of him on Jan. 26. Wray said he would not give such an assurance if asked

President Donald Trump's pick to head the FBI, Christopher Wray, on Wednesday said he would refuse to pledge loyalty to Trump, rejected his description of the probe into Russian election meddling as a "witch hunt," and vowed to quit if asked by the president to do something unlawful. Wray, nominated by Trump on June 7 to replace the fired James Comey as Federal Bureau of Investigation director, sought to stake out independence from the president and protect the agency from partisan political influence. Wray even said it would be "highly unlikely" he would agree to meet Trump in a one-on-one situation, as Comey reluctantly did. Wray, who seemed headed for US Senate approval to fill the 10-year post, testified during a 4 1/2-hour hour Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing amid an uproar in Washington over 2016 emails released on Tuesday involving the president's son, Donald Trump Jr. The emails showed the Republican president's son agreeing last year to meet a woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Democratic White House rival Hillary Clinton as part of Moscow's official support for his father. Wray deflected specific questions from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham about the president's son's emails, saying he had not read them. But Wray said, "Any threats or effort to interfere with our election from any nation-state or any non-state actor is the kind of thing the FBI would want to know." Trump's son did not notify the FBI and wrote "I love it" about the Russian's offer of information on Clinton. Trump fired Comey on May 9, igniting a political firestorm, and later cited the "Russia thing" as his reason. The Justice Department eight days later named Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel to investigate alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race to help Trump win and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump associates. The Russia matter has dogged Trump's first six months in office. Wray said he had no reason to doubt the US intelligence community's conclusion that Russia interfered in part by hacking and releasing emails damaging to Clinton, a claim Moscow denies. Wray worked at the Justice Department under Republican former President George W. Bush when Comey was deputy attorney general and Mueller was FBI director. Wray also represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in a political scandal. Trump has called the Russia probe a "witch hunt." "I do not consider Director Mueller to be on a witch hunt," Wray told Graham. Wray said he was "very committed" to supporting Mueller's investigation, calling him a "consummate straight shooter and somebody I have enormous respect for." Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein asked Wray to inform the committee "if you learn about any machinations to tamper with" Mueller's probe. "Understood," Wray responded. No loyalty oath Wray said no one at the White House had asked that he pledge loyalty to Trump, as Comey said the president demanded of him on Jan. 26. Wray said he would not give such an assurance if asked. "My loyalty is to the Constitution, to the rule of law and to the mission of the FBI. And no one asked me for any kind of loyalty oath at any point during this process, and I sure as heck didn't offer one," Wray said. Comey previously told the same committee Trump pressed him in a one-on-one session to drop the FBI investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn's ties to Russia. Comey said he felt he was fired in a bid by Trump to undercut the Russia probe. Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked Wray, "If the president asks you to do something unlawful or unethical, what do you say?" "First, I would try to talk him out of it. And if that failed, I would resign," Wray replied. The allegation involving Trump pressing Comey on February 14 over the Flynn probe raised questions about whether Trump's behaviour amounted to obstruction of justice, a potential issue in any potential future effort in Congress to impeach the president and remove him from office. Wray sought to differentiate himself from Comey. Wray was asked about Comey's July 2016 news conference announcing that no criminal charges were planned against Clinton over her use of a private email server to handle classified information but faulting her conduct. "I can't imagine a situation where as FBI director I would be giving a press conference on an uncharged individual, much less talk in detail about it," Wray testified. Graham questioned Wray about a January report by the US news organisation Politico that a Ukrainian-American operative who was consulting for the Democratic National Committee had met with Ukrainian embassy officials in Washington in a bid to help Clinton and expose links between Trump, top campaign aide Paul Manafort and Russia. Wray said it would be wrong for Ukraine to meddle in the election and "I'd be happy to dig into it."

Russia probe not witch hunt: Trump FBI pick