US attorney fired by Trump sends well-wishes to new FBI director

by Olivia Beavers - 08/02/17 6:08 PM ET

Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney who was fired by President Trump, wished Christopher Wray luck Wednesday in his new role as the head of the FBI.

Many people I trust believe Wray is honorable & honest. We and the FBI need him to be strong, wise, fair & independent. Let’s wish him well https://t.co/SkJnr64Cmm

— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) August 2, 2017

Wray was sworn into the role by Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier in the day, after the Senate confirmed his nomination in a 92-5 vote on Tuesday.

{mosads}Wray replaces former FBI Director James Comey, whom Trump abruptly fired earlier this year amid an ongoing investigation into Russian election meddling and possible collusion with Trump campaign aides.

Comey’s dismissal sparked concern that the president would attempt to find a replacement who would be loyal to him rather than lead the FBI independently.

Prior to his confirmation, however, both Democrats and Republicans praised Wray as a strong nominee for the position.

His confirmation comes at a time when special counsel Robert Mueller is leading the Justice Department’s investigation into Russia’s election interference and potential ties between the Kremlin and Trump campaign officials.

Bharara, who has since become a vocal critic of the president, was one of the 46 U.S. attorneys he fired after taking office.

Tags Jeff Sessions