In another extraordinary development, the FBI Agents Association on Thursday issued a forceful statement of support for FBI Director Christopher Wray, amid reports that President Trump will authorize the release of a classified memo over Wray’s objections.

“The FBI Agents Association appreciates FBI Director Chris Wray standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of the FBI as we work together to protect our country from criminal and national security threats,” the association said in a statement.

Trump is expected to authorize the release of a memo crafted by Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee aimed to discredit the Robert Mueller investigation into the Russia 2016 election interference.

The document, written by the committee chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes, claims surveillance abuses during the 2016 campaign as well as political bias against the president within the bureau.

The FBI issued a rare public statement this week saying it had “grave concerns” about the memo, adding that some information in the document was inaccurate. Wray reportedly reiterated those concerns directly to the White House.

CNN reported Thursday that Wray feels his advice on the memo is being ignored, and that some White House officials are concerned he may quit if the document is made public.

The controversial memo is the latest instance of Trump clashing with the FBI.

The president tweeted late last year that the bureau’s reputation “is in tatters – worst in History!”

2/3 "As Director Wray noted, FBI Special Agents have remained steadfast in their dedication to professionalism, and we remain focused on our important work to protect the country from terrorists and criminals—both domestic and international." — FBI Agents Assoc. (@FBIAgentsAssoc) February 1, 2018

ShareTweet