January 1, FBI Faces Rising Criticism from Republicans for Non-Cooperation

Despite an attempt at maintaining a low public profile, FBI Director Christopher Wray is coming under increased scrutiny from House Republicans.

Frustration has been growing over his perceived unwillingness to cooperate with GOP investigations into abuses of power within the FBI.

This frustration was most recently demonstrated when House Oversight Committee staff returned from a meeting with the FBI empty-handed, having sought an internal document alleging a criminal scheme between then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national.

House Republicans have been pressing for more information about various FBI activities, including the bureau’s focus on parents protesting at school board meetings, its aggressive pursuit of anti-abortion activists compared to its treatment of pro-abortion rights activists, a memo from one of its field offices related to suggested surveillance of traditional Catholic parishes, and more.

The FBI has come under criticism for its handling of investigations into both Trump’s and Biden’s alleged mishandling of classified documents, with Republicans suggesting that the investigation into Trump was pursued far more aggressively, while the other was barely if at all.

Special counsel John Durham’s recent report on the origins of the Russian collusion investigation also raised eyebrows among Republicans.

The report found that FBI agents were quick to investigate Trump’s 2016 campaign over alleged foreign influence, while dismissing clearly stronger allegations of the same offense against Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

The enduring controversies and partisan disagreements surrounding the FBI have eroded Republicans’ confidence in Wray, once seen as a leader who could prevent politics from influencing FBI activities.

Calls for his resignation are growing louder among some GOP lawmakers.

However, making a strong case for Wray’s removal could be challenging, given the broad range of allegations against him.

Furthermore, the FBI’s ongoing investigations into various issues, including the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and the handling of classified documents by Trump and Biden, are often used as reasons for the bureau’s lack of transparency.

Despite these controversies, Wray still maintains support within the elitist Washington establishment.

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