(NewsNation) — FBI Director Christopher Wray faced criticism from Republicans during a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. Wray did not address specific aspects of federal investigations into former President Donald Trump or current President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter. However, there were other topics that were debated during the hearing.
IS THE FBI PROTECTING THE BIDEN FAMILY FROM INVESTIGATION?
Republicans argue that there is a “two-tier system” when it comes to how the FBI investigates Trump and Biden’s son. They have raised concerns about Hunter Biden’s recent plea agreement on federal tax charges and have called for an investigation into the Biden family’s business dealings. In May, House Republicans threatened to hold Wray in contempt of Congress for not providing FBI documents related to an allegation involving then-Vice President Biden. However, the contempt vote was canceled.
Wray stated that the bureau is not protecting the president or his family from investigation. He denied allegations that the FBI has a political agenda.
WERE THERE UNDERCOVER FBI AGENTS, INFORMANTS, OR SOURCES ON JANUARY 6TH?
Wray condemned far-right conspiracies that suggest FBI agents were involved in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. He stated that claims regarding Ray Epps, an Arizona man accused of working with the federal government to orchestrate the insurrection, are baseless. Epps is now suing Fox News over the allegations.
WHAT DID THE DURHAM REPORT SHOW?
Special Counsel John Durham’s report examined the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign and possible contact with Russia. Durham concluded that the bureau didn’t have sufficient evidence to open the case and identified failures in the investigation. Wray acknowledged these missteps.
Rep. Ben Cline questioned Wray about the basis for launching the investigation, and Wray agreed that there were violations and failures that should not be repeated.
HAS THE FBI ASKED SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES TO CENSOR POSTS?
Committee members raised concerns about the FBI’s relationship with social media companies and whether the agency requests the removal of conservative-leaning posts. Wray stated that the FBI does not ask for censorship unless it involves national security threats. He emphasized that it is ultimately up to social media companies to take action.
WHY DID THE FBI ‘COLLUDE’ WITH A UKRAINIAN INTELLIGENCE AGENCY?
Republicans accused the FBI of colluding with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Russian disinformation. Wray defended the FBI’s collaboration with the SBU, highlighting their partnership during the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
WHEN WILL THERE BE MORE INFORMATION ON CONTROVERSIAL CATHOLIC MEMO?
Rep. Jim Jordan brought up a memorandum that described an overlap between white nationalist groups and “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics” within the FBI’s Richmond field office. Wray stated that the document was an isolated product that he ordered to be withdrawn and removed from FBI systems. An internal review is being conducted, and Wray promised to provide a briefing on the incident soon.