Wray: McCabe firing was not politically influenced

FBI Director Christopher Wray in an interview that aired early Wednesday disputed suggestions that ex-Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe’s firing was influenced by politics, saying he’s committed to doing things “by the book.” 

“My commitment to making sure that our process is followed, that it relies on objective input, and that most importantly, it is not based on political or partisan influence is something I am utterly unyielding on,” Wray told NBC News.

He did not address specifics surrounding McCabe’s ouster, but reiterated that he is committed to handling intelligence analysis, personnel decisions and disciplinary decisions with objectivity and independence.

{mosads}Wray told NBC News in a portion of the interview that aired late Tuesday that he does not feel any political pressure from the White House. 

“I have been very clear — from the minute I was nominated to the minute I walked in the door to countless opportunities since then — that I am unwaveringly committed to doing this job by the book, independently, following our rules and our processes free from political or partisan influence,” Wray said.

Wray’s comments come after Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired McCabe on Friday for not being forthcoming with investigators during an inspector general review. McCabe was forced out just days before his scheduled retirement.

President Trump, who has personally attacked McCabe in the past, quickly praised his departure on Twitter, accusing McCabe of corrupt tactics and calling his firing a “great day for Democracy.”

McCabe has since spoken out, issuing a statement in which he argued that his ouster was driven by the Trump administration in an effort to undermine special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.