The FBI’s top lawyer resigned on Friday as President Trump and his supporters continue to condemn the agency for its investigations into former staffers and Trump allies.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that Dana Boente’s 38-year career in senior roles at the Justice Department will end on June 30, when his retirement goes into effect.
NBC News reported that FBI Director Christopher Wray requested Boente’s resignation at the urging of top Justice Department officials.
“Few people have served so well in so many critical, high-level roles at the Department,” Wray said in a statement. “Throughout his long and distinguished career as a public servant, Dana has demonstrated a selfless determination to ensure that justice is always served on behalf of our citizens.”
“While it will be difficult to replace Dana, I am committed to ensuring that the next general counsel is experienced, objective, and prepared to lead the men and women who make up this vital part of the FBI’s mission,” Wray added.
Boente’s resignation follows criticism he faced on Fox News for his involvement in investigating Trump first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who initially pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of the Russia investigation. The Justice Department dropped the charge earlier this month.
In a leaked memo, Boente said that information about Flynn that was put into the public record did not clear the former Trump administration official, according to NBC News.
Boente also served as acting attorney general in 2017 after the president fired Sally Yates.