FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday that he intends to step down at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January. His decision comes just over a week after President-elect Donald Trump declared his intention to nominate Kash Patel, a loyal ally, as the next FBI director. Speaking at a town hall meeting with FBI employees, Wray cited “weeks of careful thought” behind his decision to leave three years before completing his 10-year term. During his tenure, he worked to maintain the FBI's impartiality despite its involvement in high-profile investigations, including two indictments against Trump last year and probes into President Biden and his son. “My focus has always been on our mission — the critical work you perform every day for the American people,” Wray told staff. “This decision is about protecting the bureau from deeper entanglement in politics while upholding the values that define how we operate.” Wray’s resignation, though anticipated given Trump’s plans for Patel, underscores the ongoing impact of Trump’s unconventional approach to Washington norms. By choosing to step aside, Wray aims to avoid a contentious transition as Trump moves to replace him before his term officially concludes. “It’s not an easy decision,” Wray admitted. “I care deeply about this institution, its mission, and its people. But my priority is, and always has been, doing what’s best for the FBI.” Read: FBI urges telecom firms to enhance security after chinese hacking campaign His comments were met with a standing ovation from a packed audience at FBI headquarters, some of whom were visibly emotional, according to an official who spoke anonymously. Trump welcomed Wray’s decision on social media, calling it “a great day for America” and promising that Patel’s appointment would “end the weaponization” of federal law enforcement while beginning “the process of Making the FBI Great Again.” If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would mark a significant shift in the FBI's leadership. Patel, who has previously advocated for dismantling the FBI's Washington operations and targeting federal “conspirators,” has sparked concerns about potential misuse of the FBI’s powers for political purposes. “I’m ready for a smooth transition and eager to serve the American people from day one,” Patel said on Wednesday. Historically, FBI directors are rarely replaced before their 10-year terms expire — a structure intended to shield the agency from political interference. However, Trump has now replaced two directors, first appointing Wray in 2017 after firing James Comey amid a Russia investigation into his campaign. Despite appointing Wray, Trump has frequently criticized him, including as recently as last week. In an NBC interview, Trump referenced the FBI's 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate, which he labeled an “invasion.” That search, which recovered classified documents, led to one of two federal cases against Trump — both of which were dismissed after his election victory in November. Attorney General Merrick Garland commended Wray for his service, highlighting his dedication to protecting national security, civil rights, and the rule of law. Similarly, Natalie Bara, president of the FBI Agents Association, praised Wray for his steady leadership during challenging times. Throughout his tenure, Wray maintained a low-key approach, emphasizing a “keep calm and tackle hard” mindset despite relentless criticism from Trump and his allies. He sought to distance the FBI from politically charged controversies, including errors in the agency’s Russia investigation that predated his leadership. Read more: Trump nominates Kash Patel for FBI Director However, Wray did break with Trump on several occasions, rejecting claims that the Russia probe was a “witch hunt” and publicly disputing Trump’s assertion that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election. In his resignation announcement, Wray highlighted the FBI's core mission, praising efforts to combat violent crime, cyberattacks, and terrorism. “Protecting citizens is government’s most sacred responsibility,” he said. “The FBI will continue to evolve to meet emerging challenges.” While Wray’s leadership drew praise, his tenure was overshadowed by politically sensitive investigations, including inquiries into Hunter Biden’s tax and gun violations and President Biden’s handling of classified materials. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father last week. One of the most contentious moments occurred in 2022 when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago, recovering sensitive documents Trump had retained. Trump has since used the incident to fuel his criticisms of the FBI, even questioning its findings on an assassination attempt against him earlier this year. Before becoming FBI director, Wray was a partner at the law firm King & Spalding and led the Justice Department’s criminal division under President George W. Bush, where he gained a reputation for integrity and professionalism. Source: With inputs from agencies

President-elect Donald Trump has named Alina Habba, one of his defense attorneys in the New York hush money case, to serve as counselor to the president in his upcoming administration. Habba, 40, has been a staunch advocate for Trump, acting as both his legal representative and spokesperson earlier this year. Since the election, she has frequently been at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, accompanying him during his post-election activities. “She has shown unwavering loyalty and unmatched resolve, standing by me through countless legal battles and challenges,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Few understand the weaponization of the justice system better than Alina.” Habba represented Trump during his high-profile legal proceedings this year. In May, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony charges, found guilty on 34 counts related to a hush money payment during the 2016 election to a porn actor alleging a past affair. Habba, who has Chaldean Christian roots from Iraq, follows in the footsteps of Kellyanne Conway, who held the counselor position during Trump’s first term. She also played an active role on the campaign trail and spoke at a late-October rally in Madison Square Garden, New York. In addition to Habba’s appointment, Trump announced two other key positions on Sunday. Michael Anton, a former National Security Council spokesman, will return as director of policy planning at the State Department. Meanwhile, Michael Needham, a former chief of staff to Sen. Marco Rubio, will serve as counselor to the State Department. Rubio, the Florida senator, has been tapped by Trump as the next secretary of state. Source: With inputs from agencies

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the hostages held by Hamas, stating that there will be severe consequences if they are not freed before his inauguration on January 20, 2025. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the lack of action to secure the release of those captured during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 dead and at least 250 people abducted, including seven Americans. Trump condemned the conditions of the hostages, describing their treatment as violent and inhumane. He emphasized that their continued captivity would lead to unprecedented retaliation, warning of significant repercussions for those responsible for the abductions. Trump says BRICS countries must commit they’ll not replace US dollar or they’ll face 100% tariffs A recent video released by Hamas featured Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American hostage who was abducted during the October 7 attack. In the footage, Alexander, visibly distressed, appealed for his release while conveying forced messages to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to securing the hostages' freedom. Despite ongoing efforts, a lasting ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas remains out of reach over a year after the initial attack. Israeli military operations in Gaza persist. Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, brokered in November 2024, has already faced violations. Trump threatens to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office Israel accused Hezbollah of launching two projectiles on Monday, though no casualties were reported. Netanyahu vowed to enforce the ceasefire and respond to any breaches by Hezbollah.