FBI nominee pledges loyalty to rule of law

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee got their first chance Wednesday to quiz President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI director. Former Justice Department lawyer Christopher Wray vowed he would be beholden to no one: “My loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law. They have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to them no matter the test.” Former FBI Director James Comey said Trump asked several times for a loyalty pledge, prompting senators to quiz Wray about his ability to separate himself from his boss. Wray also said he did not consider the investigation into Trump’s possible ties to Russia a “witch hunt,” as the president has repeatedly claimed. During his time at the Justice Department, Wray worked with both Comey and Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading the Russia investigation. The FBI Agents Association on Monday issued a statement backing Wray’s nomination.