New FBI nominee Christopher Wray overshadowed by predecessor
Christopher Wray's sacked predecessor is expected to deliver box office testimony at a Senate hearing, writes Greg Milam.
Wednesday 7 June 2017 15:39, UK
Christopher Wray's big moment is likely to be overshadowed by the man he will succeed at the FBI - but he will step into the job at an extraordinary time in American history.
Donald Trump's tweeted announcement that Wray came 24 hours ahead of James Comey's appearance at a Senate hearing investigating Russia's meddling in the election.
Mr Comey, sacked by Mr Trump a month ago, is expected to deliver box office testimony on what went on between him and the President.
But Mr Wray, if confirmed by the Senate, will take over responsibility for the FBI's own investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
"A man of impeccable credentials," is how the president described Mr Wray, a career lawyer and former assistant attorney-general under president George W Bush.
He is an expert in dealing with white collar crime and government investigations and has been in private practice since leaving the Department of Justice in 2005.
He represented New Jersey governor Chris Christie during the "Bridge-gate" scandal.
After some of the names floated for the FBI job, the likes of Mr Christie himself and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, Mr Wray will be regarded as a less partisan choice.
But he will face unprecedented scrutiny in that role with allegations that Mr Trump demanded "loyalty" from the former director and attempts to shut down parts of the Russia inquiry.
It is another former FBI director, Robert Mueller, who now has control of the whole investigation after being appointed special counsel.
Andrew McCabe, who is the acting director of the FBI, described the Trump-Russia investigation as "highly significant" when he gave evidence on Capitol Hill last month.
The White House has never really got its story straight about the sacking of Mr Comey - the president and his staff have given a shifting set of reasons - and that has made tomorrow's appearance must-watch TV.
One bar in Washington DC is opening early for punters to watch.
In sacking Mr Comey, President Trump said that the FBI needs a leader to restore "public trust and confidence".
He has picked a safe pair of hands, America must hope they are big enough to deal with the job.