FBI Director Christopher Wray — his agency buffeted by criticism from the White House and some Republicans — says the only opinions that matter are those with whom agents work in the communities across America.
And they are just fine with the "brand" of the nation's premier law enforcement agency, Wray told USA Today.
"People talk about criticism, and that inevitably raises questions about things like brand," Wray told the news outlet.
"What I try to tell our folks is that while there are a lot of opinions out there about us, the opinions that really matter are the opinions of a jury when one of our agents takes the stand, or a judge when he's being presented with a warrant, or community leaders who are having to work side-by-side with our people."
"Our brand — with those people — couldn't be higher," he declared. "The appreciation we get . . . I've been almost taken aback, but in a good way."
Wray has staunchly stood up for the bureau amid criticism — including from President Donald Trump — and avoided calling out anyone by name.
And he is winning praise among those whose opinions matter to him.
Thomas O'Connor, president of the FBI Agents Association, told USA Today that Wray's support of the ranks has been constant and "invaluable" — visiting 23 field offices across the nation's 56 field divisions.
"From everything we've seen, he truly believes in the mission," O'Connor said.
And Bill Mateja, a former Justice Department senior counsel who worked with Wray, also told the outlet Wray is well-equipped to weather any political storm.
"He calls balls and strikes like he sees them," Mateja told USA Today. "And he's not going to let any one defame the FBI."
"When you need him most, he's got your back. The FBI needs that more than ever now," he added.
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