Donald Trump’s relationship with the past four FBI directors has been characterized by significant tension, largely centered on investigations into his own conduct or campaign. He is the only president to have fired or forced the resignation of two FBI directors within their statutory 10-year terms.
Robert Mueller (September 2001 – September 2013)
Term: Appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001, Mueller is the only FBI director since J. Edgar Hoover to serve more than 10 years. At the request of the Obama administration, Congress passed a special two-year extension of his term, which he completed in 2013.
Relationship with Trump: Their relationship was non-existent during Mueller’s actual directorship, but Trump later claimed they had a “nasty and contentious business relationship” involving a dispute over fees at a Trump National Golf Club. Following Mueller’s death in March 2026, Trump responded with hostility, stating on Truth Social that he was “glad” Mueller had passed.
Accomplishments/Notability:
Post-9/11 Overhaul: Sworn in just one week before the September 11 attacks, he transformed the FBI from a traditional law enforcement agency into a counterterrorism-focused intelligence organization.
Special Counsel Role (2017–2019): Though no longer FBI Director, he was appointed Special Counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election. His investigation resulted in 34 indictments, including several top Trump campaign associates.
Integrity and Independence: He famously stood with James Comey in 2004 to block the Bush administration from reauthorizing an illegal wiretapping program.
James Comey (September 2013 – May 2017)
Term: Appointed by President Obama in 2013, Comey served only three and a half years of his 10-year term before being fired by Trump.
Relationship with Trump: Initially contentious due to the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email server, the relationship soured completely over the bureau’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump reportedly demanded a “pledge of loyalty” from Comey, which he refused. Trump ultimately dismissed him, citing a loss of confidence.
Accomplishments/Notability:
Led high-profile investigations into Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
Initiated the investigation into Russian interference and potential ties to the Trump campaign.
Previously noted for his successful program to reduce homicide rates in Richmond, VA, and expediting indictments for the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing.
Andrew McCabe (Acting Director: May 2017 – August 2017)
Term: Served as Acting Director for roughly three months following Comey’s dismissal until Christopher Wray was sworn in.
Relationship with Trump: Trump repeatedly criticized McCabe, particularly over his wife’s political ties to a Democratic ally and his role in the Clinton email investigation. After leaving the acting role, he was fired from the FBI in March 2018, just 26 hours before his scheduled retirement.
Accomplishments/Notability:
Opened counterintelligence and obstruction of justice investigations into Trump immediately following Comey’s firing to ensure the Russia probe remained on “solid ground”.
Oversaw high-profile cases including the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing during his 21-year career.
Christopher Wray (August 2017 – January 2025)
Term: Appointed by Trump and confirmed in 2017; he resigned effective January 19, 2025, to avoid being fired during Trump’s second term.
Relationship with Trump: Despite being a Trump appointee, the relationship deteriorated as Wray defended the bureau against political attacks. Trump labeled him a “model of integrity” initially but later accused him of lying and presiding over a “weaponized” FBI, specifically after the 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago.
Accomplishments/Notability:
Navigated the bureau through the politically charged aftermath of the Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigation.
Oversaw the FBI’s response to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, which he characterized as domestic terrorism.
Managed the execution of the lawful search warrant at Mar-a-Lago to recover classified documents.