F.B.I. Director Wray Grilled By Congress On Concerns That FBI Investigations Have Become Politicized

New York Times: F.B.I. Director Denies Political Bias Is Tainting Investigations

WASHINGTON — Christopher A. Wray, the director of the F.B.I., defended his work force on Thursday in a politically charged hearing on Capitol Hill, rebutting President Trump’s accusation that the bureau was in “tatters” and fending off attacks from Republicans on personnel.

The unusual scenario — the nation’s top law enforcement official pressed by normally deferential Republican lawmakers — was a reflection of the extreme partisanship that has taken hold in Washington. The F.B.I., whose leadership and agents have long seen it as an apolitical institution, has been thrust into the political maelstrom repeatedly over the past two years.

Mr. Wray, who became director in August, remained unflappable during his first appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, touting the work of the F.B.I.’s nearly 37,000 employees.

“There is no finer institution than the F.B.I. and no finer people than the men and women who work there,” he said.

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WNU Editor: When I read stories like this one .... Mueller Commission Removes Top FBI Agent In Russia Probe Over Anti-Trump Texts December 2, 2017). And then stories about FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe telling FBI agents not to call the 2012 Benghazi attack an act of terrorism .... GOP lawmakers cite new allegations of political bias in FBI (The Hill). Followed by stories on how FBI informants are treated like this one .... FBI informant gathered years of evidence on Russian push for US nuclear fuel deals, including Uranium One, memos show (The Hill). You know that you have a problem in the upper echelons of the FBI.

More News On F.B.I. Director Wray's Testimony To Congress Today

FBI Director Wray defends bureau in wake of Republican criticism -- Reuters
FBI Director Christopher Wray defends agency after Trump tweet -- NBC
FBI Director Defends His Agency Against Trump's Attacks -- TIME
Who is FBI Director Christopher Wray? -- Fox News

Update: I watched a good part of FBI Director Wray's testimony (see video above), and it was quite a sight to see. In the past Republicans have always been differential to the FBI, but they were definitely not deferential today. I also noticed that the FBI Director was very confident in his answers, and cool in his demeanor. But FBI Director Wray's entire demeanor changed when pressed by Congressman Jordan on whether the Russian dossier was used by FBI agent Peter Strzok in obtaining FISA warrants .... and was this the reason why he was removed from the Mueller Commission. The reluctance of the FBI Director to answer this question, and then being told at the end by the Chairman that this needs to be answered (a closed briefing if necessary) .... as I said .... the body language and demeanor of the Director changed after that. I think Congressman Jordan is onto something, and everyone should watch the bottom video.