Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is back with another hot take, this time defending FBI Director Christopher Wray and claiming that President Trump, as president, wouldn’t have the authority to fire Wray before his term expires in 2027. Spoiler alert: he absolutely does, but let’s unpack this circus.
We already have a FBI Director, and his term doesn’t expire until 2027.
Donald Trump can’t be allowed to hire and fire FBI Directors just because they failed his loyalty test.
— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) December 2, 2024
Durbin, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, slammed Trump’s decision to nominate Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Patel, a favorite among America First conservatives and a thorn in the side of D.C. elites, is well-known for his role in exposing the Russia collusion hoax. Naturally, that makes him a prime target for the left, who fear anyone willing to drain the swamp instead of swimming in it.
Trump announced the Patel nomination on Truth Social, calling him a “brilliant lawyer” and a fierce defender of justice. In classic Trump fashion, he laid out the case for Patel: a seasoned investigator who exposed corruption, defended the Constitution, and held bad actors accountable during Trump’s first term. Trump also promised Patel would tackle America’s crime epidemic and restore integrity to an FBI that many Americans no longer trust.
Predictably, Durbin cried foul, accusing Trump of trying to “weaponize” the FBI. He insisted that Wray’s 10-year term ensures the bureau’s independence and that Biden kept Wray in place for just that reason. Let’s ignore, for a moment, that the FBI has hardly been “insulated from partisanship” under Wray’s leadership. Durbin even called Patel an “unqualified loyalist,” conveniently forgetting Patel’s extensive résumé, which includes roles in national security and as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense.
Durbin’s argument doesn’t hold water. The Constitution explicitly grants the President authority over executive branch appointments and dismissals. Presidents from Bill Clinton to even President Trump himself have fired FBI Directors when necessary. Clinton dismissed William Sessions over ethics concerns, and Trump ousted James Comey amid the Russia investigation circus.
Durbin’s statement was swiftly ridiculed online, with critics pointing out that he seems more concerned with protecting the D.C. establishment than upholding the Constitution. The President has not only the right but the obligation to ensure executive branch agencies serve the American people, not entrenched bureaucrats.
This may be the dumbest tweet on X this year.
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) December 2, 2024
Not knowing that Trump can replace the FBI director is proof that you are unqualified for the seat that you hold.
Too bad we can’t fire you for doing a poor job now.
— Bad Kitty Unleashed (@pepesgrandma) December 2, 2024
For a Senator, you’re wildly ignorant of the Constitutional authority of the President. In short, he can most definitely fire him. I think we need to apply a civics test for incoming Senators to make sure you morons understand the Constitution before taking office.
— Military Arms (@MAC_Arms) December 2, 2024
If Durbin wants to defend Wray, he’s welcome to try, but rewriting the Constitution to fit his narrative? That’s a hard no. Trump’s move to replace Wray isn’t just within his rights—it’s long overdue.
Leave a Comment