Trump's FBI director pick
This Wednesday, Trump's pick to replace James Comey as the Director of the FBI will testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Christopher Wray was an Assistant Attorney General during George W. Bush's presidency. According to an article in US News, Wray is no stranger to major investigations and high-pressure situations. He was the lead investigator of the accounting irregularities of both Enron and WorldCom.
He also was the highest ranking official at the Justice Department after the 9/11 attacks. More recently, Wray was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's defense attorney during the infamous Bridgegate scandal. Now, Wray could replace embattled former FBI Director James Comey.
Russia investigation
The greatest challenge facing Wray as Fbi Director is the investigation into Russia and the hacked 2016 elections. This investigation has been ongoing since the presidential race in 2016 and has led to the investigation of Trump's staff and family members, the resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn, and the firing of James Comey.
So far in the investigation, it has been established that the hack occurred, that the hackers had ties to the Russian government, and that voting systems in multiple states were targeted.
Officials in the Trump administration and Vladimir Putin deny involvement in the hacking. Wray will have to take charge of the investigation under the intense scrutiny of government officials, the White House, and the public-at-large.
Trump's lapdog?
According to a Politico article, Wray should expect questions about his possible actions during the Russian hacking investigation. He will also likely face questions as to whether he can act independently from Tump. His confirmation will likely be uneventful when compared to other hearings, such as the confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy Devos, a nominee who did not have experience when it comes to public schools, or the Housing and Urban Development nominee Ben Carson, who not only has no experience in housing and urban development, but no government experience whatsoever.
Wray's experience in Washington and lack of major controversy makes him a strong nominee. Now, all that's left is to wonder what the Senate Judiciary Committee will ask, and how Wray will handle the pressures of a highly scrutinized Trump Administration.