Sen. Grassley Calls For FBI Leadership Change, Cites ‘Orwellian Conduct’
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has demanded the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Director Paul Abbate, citing numerous failures that he claims have undermined public trust in the nation’s premier law enforcement agency. In an 11-page letter, Grassley detailed what he described as a pattern of misconduct and political bias during Wray’s tenure.
“For the good of the country, it’s time for you and your deputy to move on to the next chapter in your lives,” Grassley wrote, expressing his frustration with Wray’s leadership.
Grassley criticized the FBI’s refusal to release records requested by congressional committees and accused Wray of failing to investigate allegations of corruption involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. He noted the bureau’s suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story before the 2020 election, which was labeled as “Russian disinformation” despite credible evidence to the contrary.
The senator also highlighted the FBI’s role in promoting the debunked Steele dossier, calling it “some of the most egregious, Orwellian conduct” he has seen in his nearly 50 years in Congress. Grassley accused the agency of uneven law enforcement, targeting conservatives while shielding prominent Democrats from scrutiny.
Grassley’s letter also addressed concerns about whistleblower allegations that hundreds of FBI employees avoided accountability for misconduct by resigning or retiring. He criticized the FBI’s failure to properly vet Afghan refugees, leaving potential security threats unaccounted for in the United States.
The letter reflects growing frustration with the FBI’s direction, with President-elect Donald Trump nominating Kash Patel to replace Wray. Trump has repeatedly criticized Wray’s handling of investigations, citing the Mar-a-Lago raid as a prime example of abuse of power.
Grassley’s call for change signals a broader push for accountability within the FBI. As the incoming administration prepares to take office, the bureau faces mounting pressure to restore public confidence.
