In a recent interview with NBC News, President Trump expressed his belief that the Department of Justice could potentially be investigating former F.B.I. Director Christopher A. Wray. This statement emerged just days following the indictment of another former F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, who has often been viewed as a rival to Mr. Trump. During the phone interview, Mr. Trump accused Mr. Wray of engaging in “inappropriate” conduct, and he suggested, “I would think” that the Justice Department is looking into the matter.
Mr. Trump elaborated, saying, “I would imagine. I would certainly imagine. I would think they are doing that.” He referenced recent reports from conservative media indicating that 274 plainclothes F.B.I. agents were present at the Capitol during the January 6, 2021 pro-Trump riot. This led to accusations from Trump and others, including Kari Lake, implying that the F.B.I. was involved in orchestrating an inside job to incite the riot and frame Trump supporters. However, these claims have been disproven, as the Department’s inspector general has found no evidence to support the presence of undercover agents among the rioters.
In response to these allegations, F.B.I. Director Kash Patel attempted to clarify the situation during a segment on Fox News. He stated that agents were sent to the Capitol for “crowd control” after the riot had already begun. Despite his comments, Patel accused Wray of lying to Congress regarding the agency's involvement. In his own testimony before a House committee in 2023, Mr. Wray firmly stated, “If you are asking if the violence at the Capitol was part of some operation orchestrated by F.B.I. sources or agents, the answer is no.”
For years, President Trump has attempted to reshape the narrative surrounding the events of January 6, including pushing for investigations into those who have scrutinized him and his supporters. He has also extended pardons to individuals involved in the Capitol riots, including those who inflicted violence on police officers. Since securing a second term, Trump has waged a campaign of retribution against perceived political adversaries, asserting that he has the authority to direct the Justice Department to pursue those he targets.
On September 20, President Trump took to social media to urge Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against James Comey, Senator Adam B. Schiff (Democrat of California), and Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York. He expressed his frustration, stating, “Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, ‘same old story as last time, all talk, no action.’ Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, Leticia??? They’re all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done.”
Shortly after his social media post, Comey was indicted on charges of lying to Congress. Comey has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he is the victim of a politically motivated prosecution.
