President-elect Donald Trump has long been a critic of FBI Director Christopher Wray and has publicly promised to fire him.

Yet that's something Trump won't get to do as Wray announced his resignation on Wednesday afternoon. 

Wray will serve until January

According to Fox News, Wray revealed his decision to leave his position during an FBI town hall event that was held in Washington, D.C.

"After weeks of careful thought, I’ve decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down," Fox News quoted him as saying.

"My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day," the outgoing FBI director insisted.

"In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work," Wray went on to assert.

Sen. Chuck Grassley told Wray to step down "for the good of the country"

Wray's resignation announcement came just two days after Fox News reported that Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley sent a scathing letter which called for his departure.

Promises made, promises broken has become a recurrent theme under FBI Director Wray’s leadership. Sen. @ChuckGrassley is demanding accountability. https://t.co/FJtKWu49Bx

— Sen. Grassley Press (@GrassleyPress) December 9, 2024

Grassley, who is expected to become Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, wrote, "For the good of the country, it’s time for you and your deputy to move on to the next chapter in your lives."

"I've spent my career fighting for transparency, and I’ve always called out those in government who have fought against it. For the public record, I must do so once again now," he continued.

Trump nominates Kash Patel to replace Wray

For his part, Trump announced late last month that he was nominating former counterterrorism official Kash Patel to head the FBI.

"Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," Fox News quoted Trump as saying in a social media post.

Trump recalled how Patel "played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution."

While Patel is regarded by some as a controversial figure, Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn said during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last week that he has the votes to be confirmed.