Former FBI and CIA director William Webster wrote in a Monday op-ed for The New York Times that he is “deeply disturbed” by recent comments by President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden says voters should choose who nominates Supreme Court justice Trump, Biden will not shake hands at first debate due to COVID-19 Pelosi: Trump Supreme Court pick 'threatens' Affordable Care Act MORE about FBI Director Christopher Wray.

In the op-ed, Webster, the only person to serve in both positions, pushes back against Trump’s comments that Wray, whom he appointed after firing former Director James Comey James Brien ComeySteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Judge will not dismiss McCabe's case against DOJ Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate MORE, is not capable of fixing institutional issues within the bureau after Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report on the 2016 investigation of the Trump campaign.

“The president’s thinly veiled suggestion that the director, Christopher Wray, like his banished predecessor, James Comey, could be on the chopping block, disturbs me greatly,” Webster wrote, referencing the way Trump called Wray the FBI’s “current director.”

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“The independence of both the F.B.I. and its director is critical and should be fiercely protected by each branch of government,” Webster added, saying he never felt political pressure under presidents of either party, including Jimmy Carter Jimmy CarterTexas Democrats roll out first wave of planned digital ads as Election Day nears Chris Matthews ripped for complimenting Trump's 'true presidential behavior' on Ginsburg Warning signs flash for Lindsey Graham in South Carolina MORE and Ronald Reagan.

Webster also criticizes Attorney General William Barr Bill BarrFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Why a backdoor to encrypted data is detrimental to cybersecurity and data integrity FBI official who worked with Mueller raised doubts about Russia investigation MORE and Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani Rudy GiulianiThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting CIA found Putin 'probably directing' campaign against Biden: report Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate MORE, both of whom he describes as longtime friends, for accusing the bureau of bias and activities in Ukraine, respectively.

“This difficult moment demands the restoration of the proper place of the Department of Justice and the F.B.I. as bulwarks of law and order in America,” Webster wrote. “This is not about politics. This is about the rule of law. Republicans and Democrats alike should defend it above all else.”

“I continue to believe in and pray for the ability of all Americans to overcome our differences and pursue the common good. Order protects liberty, and liberty protects order,” he added.

Horowitz’s report said there was no political bias in the FBI's launching of a probe into Trump campaign associates, but found multiple mistakes and inappropriate actions as the investigation was conducted. Trump and his allies have seized on the findings as evidence of institutional bias against him.

"I have complete confidence in Mr. Wray, and I know that the F.B.I. is not a broken institution," Webster wrote. "It is a professional agency worthy of respect and support. The derision and aspersions are dangerous and unwarranted."