Vice President-elect JD Vance shared insights into the search for a new FBI director in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, which he later deleted. The announcement, made Tuesday, has sparked discussions about the incoming administration's plans for federal law enforcement leadership.
Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, responded to conservative criticism over Republican absences during a Senate vote confirming Judge Embry Kidd to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Kidd, nominated by President Joe Biden, was confirmed despite some Republican opposition. Vance explained that his absence was due to his involvement in interviews for President-elect Donald Trump's administration, including discussions about the FBI director role.
“When this 11th Circuit vote happened, I was meeting with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director,” Vance wrote. He added, “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45.”
This deleted post marked the first indication that the Trump administration plans to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray.
In a statement to *Newsweek*, Trump-Vance Transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed, “President-elect Trump is making decisions on who will serve in his second administration. Those decisions will continue to be announced by him when they are made.”
FBI directors serve 10-year terms but can be removed by the president. Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017 to replace James Comey, is expected to complete his term in 2027 unless removed earlier. Trump has previously criticized Wray, including calling for his resignation in July over comments about President Biden.
There is speculation that Wray may resign rather than face dismissal. Kash Patel, a Trump ally and former federal prosecutor, has been mentioned as a potential replacement, though no official confirmation has been made. Some former FBI officials have expressed concern about Patel's suitability, citing his lack of traditional law enforcement experience.
Vance did not disclose specific names of candidates interviewed for the role in his deleted post.
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