FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced his decision to resign before President-elect Donald Trump, who has signaled plans to dismiss him, assumes office next month.

During an internal FBI meeting on Wednesday, Wray stated that he would step down at the end of the current administration in January. This decision comes after weeks of deliberation and amid ongoing tensions surrounding the bureau’s investigations into Trump.

A Leadership Transition

Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017 to serve a 10-year term, has faced criticism from Republicans, particularly regarding the FBI’s investigations into Trump after his presidency. In his remarks to FBI staff, Wray said, “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.”

He emphasized that this choice was aimed at protecting the bureau’s integrity and principles, adding, “This 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.”

Wray received a standing ovation from FBI staff, with some attendees visibly emotional, according to an unnamed official cited by the Associated Press.

A Legacy of Controversy

Wray was appointed to lead the FBI following Trump’s dismissal of James Comey amid the bureau’s investigation into alleged ties between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia. At the time, Trump praised Wray as a leader with “impeccable credentials,” citing his Yale Law School background and professional accomplishments.

However, relations between Wray and Trump soured in recent years, particularly after the FBI supported a federal investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents—a case that was ultimately dropped.

Incoming Leadership

Trump has announced Kash Patel, a former aide and loyal supporter, as his nominee to lead the FBI. Patel has advocated for significantly reducing the bureau’s authority, aligning with Trump’s criticisms of federal law enforcement.

Reacting to Wray’s resignation, Trump called it “a great day for America” and pledged to restore what he described as fairness in law enforcement. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated, “It will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice. We will now restore the rule of law for all Americans.”

Wray’s resignation marks the end of a contentious tenure and sets the stage for significant changes in the leadership and direction of the FBI under the incoming administration.