Just weeks after he refused to testify in front of Congress, angering Democrats and Republicans alike, Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota offered a strong defense of FBI Director Christopher Wray during an appearance on ABC News’ This Week. Calling Wray a “good man” with a commendable record, Rounds expressed “no complaints” about his performance. His comments come as former President Donald Trump plans to replace Wray with Kash Patel, his former chief of staff at the Department of Defense, if re-elected.
During the interview, co-host Jonathan Karl asked Rounds about Trump’s decision to consider Patel for the role. While acknowledging Trump’s right to select loyalists for key positions, Rounds reiterated his confidence in Wray’s leadership and suitability for the job.
“Chris Wray, the president’s original nominee, was an excellent choice for FBI director,” Rounds said. “When we meet with him in private, I’ve found no reason to object to how he’s managed the agency. I’ve been satisfied with his performance.”
Wray’s tenure has not been without controversy, noted The Daily Caller. He has faced criticism from Republicans who argue the FBI, under his leadership, has been riddled with mismanagement and political bias, including spying on churches and calling parents concerned about a sexual assault at their children’s school “terrorists.”
A 2022 report from the House Judiciary Committee described the agency as “broken” and called for significant reforms. In 2023, Wray was accused of lying before Congress to cover up corruption at the bureau.
Additionally, Wray has been scrutinized over several high-profile incidents. These include the FBI’s raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to recover classified documents, its handling of the Hunter Biden investigation, and its alleged role in events related to January 6, 2021. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia even introduced an article of impeachment against Wray, accusing him of weaponizing the agency to target American citizens.
Trump’s preferred candidate, Kash Patel, has voiced sharp criticisms of the FBI and its current structure. In a recent podcast, Patel shared his vision for a reformed agency, stating, “I’d shut down the FBI Hoover building on day one and reopen it as a museum of the deep state. The 7,000 employees stationed there should be reassigned across the country to focus on real criminal investigations.”
Hey rounds – you are definitely a majority of one. wray demonstrated his absolute contempt for CONgress AND we the people by this latest act of disrespect. Maybe you need to come up for air and take a look at his antics.
We don’t care if you think he is a nice guy in private or whatever, he is NOT serving the needs of the Republic.
Damn DC Swamp for the Swamp
Mike Rounds is a RINO. This is the first time I have ever heard of tis guy and his first foray into public discourse is to support one of the most arrogant politically motivated heads of the FBI since J. Edgar himself. Wray was one of Trumps worse appointments. Who recommended Wray to Trump ?? That would be the ultimate RINO Mitch “the turtle” McConnell.