FBI Director Christopher Wray is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on July 12, as confirmed by a reliable source familiar with the scheduling, according to the Daily Caller. This appearance comes after Republicans on the committee voiced concerns over the bureau’s alleged politicization of investigations, notably highlighting Operation Crossfire Hurricane. Additionally, committee members are expected to inquire about ongoing investigations involving former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, who recently pleaded guilty to two tax misdemeanors. Notably, Wray’s last appearance before Congress was in November 2022, when he testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Punchbowl News initially reported Wray’s scheduled appearance, signaling a heightened level of interest and anticipation surrounding the testimony. As the FBI director prepares to face questioning from lawmakers, the hearing is likely to shed light on the bureau’s investigative practices and its handling of politically sensitive cases. Republicans on the committee, in particular, have been vocal critics of the FBI, accusing it of engaging in biased investigations.
Operation Crossfire Hurricane, which has faced significant scrutiny and criticism from Republicans, is expected to be a focal point during the hearing. The controversial investigation, initiated in 2016, looked into possible links between the Trump campaign and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Critics argue that the probe was politically motivated and targeted individuals associated with the Trump campaign unfairly.
Furthermore, committee members are anticipated to seek information regarding ongoing investigations into former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden, in particular, recently pleaded guilty to two tax misdemeanors, which has drawn attention and raised questions about potential legal implications. This aspect of the hearing will likely explore the FBI’s role in such investigations and provide an opportunity for lawmakers to address concerns and seek clarifications.
Special Counsel John Durham, who testified before the committee on June 21, found in his report that bureau employees violated investigative guidelines during their investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with the Russian government. The FBI conceded “missteps identified in the report” and argued that “dozens of corrective actions” have appropriately addressed Durham’s findings.
Wray recently dodged a contempt resolution markup from the House Oversight and Government Accountability Committee over the production of a document alleging that President Joe Biden took a $5 million bribe. Republican committee chairman James Comer of Kentucky and Democratic ranking member Jamie Raskin of Maryland were allowed to view the document, known as an FD-1023, under seal.
Some GOP members, including Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio, are threatening to cut FBI funding over the bureau’s investigative “double standard.”
“We learned a lot of stuff from Crossfire Hurricane that [FBI] headquarters did not work the investigation, it’s supposed to be the field offices. My concern is that the Department of Justice was not following these principles. Nothing — that’s the thing that scares me the most — nothing is changed,” he said at the Durham hearing.
Firing Wray has become a litmus test for Republican presidential candidates, with all but former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie either promising or open to his removal. Then-President Donald Trump nominated Wray to head the bureau in 2017, and the Senate confirmed him 92-5. Every voting Republican supported his nomination.