FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by then-President Donald Trump in 2017, has served for a significant period amid varying degrees of support and criticism, and early into his tenure of a 10-year term, the relationship between Wray and Trump began to show signs of friction, largely due to disagreements over FBI operations and policy directions.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, Christopher Wray faces potential removal due to longstanding criticism and calls for major changes at the FBI, as Newsmax reports.

Trump, throughout his presidential campaign, expressed a strong desire to overhaul the FBI, which he labeled as "politically motivated" and "corrupt."

His rhetoric suggested a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current FBI leadership, hinting at a broader agenda to 'clean house' upon his return to the White House.

Trump's Public Demands and Wray's Stance

In a pivotal development in July, following an incident that resulted in an attempt on his life, President-elect Trump publicly demanded Wray’s resignation.

Trump’s declaration followed Wray's congressional testimony regarding the investigation into the incident, which confirmed that a bullet had caused an injury to Trump.

This demand emphasized Trump’s dwindling patience and trust in Wray’s capability to lead the FBI under his administration.

Despite the mounting pressure, Wray expressed a commitment to his position while speaking to NBC News in April. He emphasized his pleasure in fulfilling his responsibilities as FBI Director, indicating his willingness to continue if allowed.

"I am enjoying doing this job," Wray stated, elaborating on his dedication to upholding the integrity of the FBI "as long as I think I can do that in a way that adheres to all those rules and norms," he added.

However, sources close to the matter indicate that Wray might consider stepping down if the pressure from Trump to resign intensifies or if it becomes apparent that his leadership will continue to be undermined.

Potential Successors and Future Directions

Amid speculations over Wray’s future, Kash Patel, a figure familiar within governmental circles, has emerged as a likely candidate to replace him.

Patel, with experience at both the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Department of Defense, is also a contender to lead the CIA.

His previous roles and critical views on the operations of the Justice Department and the FBI align with Trump's vision for reforming federal law enforcement agencies.

The considerations for Patel not only signify a potential shift in FBI leadership but also reflect a probable reorientation in how national security and federal investigations might be approached under the Trump administration.

This expected shift emphasizes the broader implications that the change in leadership could have on the FBI’s future operations and its role in the broader governmental framework.

The ongoing developments require careful observation as the implications extend beyond mere personnel changes to potentially redefine the FBI's role in national and international security under Trump’s presidency.

With Wray's term originally set to extend until 2027, his premature departure would mark a significant shift in the FBI's leadership, influenced heavily by political considerations.

The next few weeks are crucial as they will determine the extent to which Trump's vision for the FBI will alter its course and leadership under his administration.