Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation will hear two questions repeatedly from senators at his confirmation hearing Wednesday: Did the president demand loyalty in exchange for his nomination, and can he stand up to the White House when the job requires it?
He was also likely to face questions about his relationships with Comey and Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who's now serving as special counsel in charge of the Trump-Russia investigation.
Hearing for FBI Director nominee Christopher Wray will be July 12.
Most recently, Wray practiced law in Atlanta specializing in investigations related to corporations, including representation of some big banks and firms. Trump later said he ousted Comey while thinking about the "Russia thing".
"He's a lawyer's lawyer", says Maureen Killion, former director of Enforcement Operations for the Justice Department's Criminal Division, who worked with him closely. A former Justice Department official who helped the USA respond to the September 11 attacks, Wray represented Credit Suisse Group AG before its main unit pleaded guilty in 2014 and paid $2.6 billion for helping thousands of Americans evade taxes. Sessions recused himself from involvement in the Russia probe after he initially failed to disclose contacts with Russian officials during the 2016 election campaign. He also represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in the so-called Bridgegate investigation of politically motivated traffic delays in 2013.
True Blood star Nelsan Ellis died due to alcohol withdrawal complications
It continued: "On the morning of Saturday July 8th, after four days in Woodhull Hospital, Nelsan was pronounced dead". The US network said they were "extremely saddened" by the passing of Nelsan and he will be "fondly remembered".
Comey said he had no regrets about the situation, but senators will want to know if Wray would do the same and how he'll avoid the Federal Bureau of Investigation being used for political ends. But Trump nominated Wray despite his having worked alongside both men in the Justice Department. Senators are likely to ask about what role he played in controversial counterterrorism programs put in place by President George W. Bush's administration after the September 11 attacks, including waterboarding.
As for history, Wray's nomination already marks a first.
One Senate aide, involved in preparations for Wednesday's hearing, also said Wray would likely draw scrutiny for any involvement he might have had in domestic surveillance programs used during the Bush administration.
He has deep experience in Washington, having served as head of the Justice Department's criminal division in the Bush administration, a position that had him overseeing major criminal prosecutions - such as the special task force investigating the Enron collapse - and also developing the US government's legal response to terrorism and national security threats.
After his time in government he became a litigation partner in the firm King & Spalding in 2005, where he stayed until Trump's nomination last month.
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