WOW FBI Director Christopher Wray to retire before President Trump’s inauguration. pic.twitter.com/GimZrdrL9M

— The Trump Train (@The_Trump_Train) November 9, 2024

Speculation about such a move started circulating shortly after Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 election. Wray, who was appointed by Trump, has had a tumultuous reign over the federal law enforcement agency.

Most recently, he’s been called out by the House Judiciary Committee for “cooking the books” on crime statistics ahead of the election.

Chris Wray isn’t off the hook for cooking the books on crime stats.

We’re on it.@Jim_Jordan, @RepAndyBiggsAZ. pic.twitter.com/ZudNigvxRP

— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) November 7, 2024

Trump supporters have been critical of Wray for years.

Christopher Wray knew hunters laptop wasn't disinformation. He also knew the 51 spies lied and covered it up. Are we ready for Trumps administration to fire him and bring him up on charges? Not one person should get a pass. pic.twitter.com/2eLFqxgrug

— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) November 8, 2024

According to the Associated Press:

With Trump poised to reclaim the White House, Wray’s days as director may be numbered. Though the director’s job carries a 10-year term, Trump’s blistering and repeated criticism of his own appointee raises the likelihood that Trump would either replace Wray upon taking office or that Wray would leave on his own to avoid being fired. Such a move would give Trump a chance to reshape the FBI’s leadership in his own image at a time when he’s threatened to pursue his own political adversaries.

If Christopher Wray doesn’t step down, he’ll almost certainly be fired. Who would be a suitable replacement?