WASHINGTON - Former President donald Trump said Sunday he would “think” the Department of Justice is investigating FBI Director Christopher Wray if an inquiry were to occur, reiterating criticism of Wray’s leadership and suggesting potential retribution should he return to office.
Trump made the comments during an interview with NBC News, as Congress faces a looming government shutdown and he prepares to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The former president blamed Democrats for the potential shutdown, claiming they want to provide healthcare for “illegal immigrants.”
“The problem we have with the shutdown is that Democrats want to do all health care for illegal immigrants,” Trump said. “We’re not going to do that.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., echoed Trump’s sentiment, telling NBC News’ ”Meet the Press” that the possibility of a shutdown “is totally up to the Democrats.” He accused Democrats of “taking the federal government as a hostage…to try and get a whole laundry list of things that they want.” Senate minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,countered by calling for “a serious negotiation” with Republicans.
The comments on Wray came as trump discussed potential personnel changes in a second term. He has frequently criticized Wray, appointed by him in 2017, alleging the FBI has been politically biased.
Turning to foreign policy, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal to end the war in gaza during his Monday meeting with Netanyahu. “We’re doing very well. It looks like there is a really good chance for peace in the Middle East. everybody is on board. Everybody,” he said. He also reaffirmed his opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank, stating, “It’s not going to happen.”
Former National Security Advisor Robert Vance told Fox News on Sunday he was “cautiously hopeful” about a potential deal, adding, “I feel more optimistic about where we are right now than where we have been at any point in the last few months.”
Recent efforts to avert a government shutdown have stalled. Both a measure Trump supported and a House-passed bill to extend funding through Nov. 21 failed to gain enough votes in the Senate this month.
