Trump hails 'great day for America' as FBI chief who launched 'weaponised' Mar-a-Lago raid resigns

Trump has publicly expressed his desire to replace Wray with Kash Patel, who he has described as “the most qualified nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency’s history”.

Wray was nominated by the president-elect himself in 2017 to serve a 10-year term, however, relations soured when the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago and found classified documents. “I just don’t know what happened to him,” Trump said.

Posting on social media, the incoming President said: “The resignation of Christopher Wray is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice. I just don’t know what happened to him.

“We will now restore the Rule of Law for all Americans. 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.

“They have used 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.”

Announcing his resignation, Wray said at an FBI meeting today: “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.”

TRUMP LATEST:

• Trump's pick for new Surgeon General killed her father aged just 13 in freak accident
• William labelled UK's 'secret weapon' for Donald Trump breakthrough
• Trump tariffs to plunge 'global economy' into recession, shocking report warns

“My goal is to keep the focus on our mission - the indispensable work you're doing on behalf of the American people everyday,” he told his colleagues.

“In my view, 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.”

After getting re-elected for a second term, Trump said Patel would be his pick for FBI director.

Patel has been a steadfast supporter of the president-elect.

The staunch Trump backer said he was “looking forward to a smooth transition and I'll be ready on day one”.

Wray has always refused to endorse politicians, stressing that the agency’s work is politically neutral.

Following his critique of Wray online, Trump went on to praise Patel: “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. As everyone knows, I have great respect for the rank-and-file of the FBI, and they have great respect for me.

“They want to see these changes every bit as much as I do but, more importantly, the American People are demanding a strong, but fair, System of Justice. We want our FBI back, and that will now happen. I look forward to Kash Patel’s confirmation, so that the process of Making the FBI Great Again can begin.”