Politics & Government
Fri, December 13, 2024 FBI flap: There is no fourth branch of government
- They posit a fourth branch of government outside of the executive branch and lean on the idea of a 10-year term for the director to suggest the bureau has always and should be run immune to the demands of elected officials. This is both constitutionally improper and historically ignorant.
The article from the Washington Examiner discusses the historical context and implications of the FBI Director's term limits, focusing on the tenure of FBI Director Christopher Wray. It highlights how former President Donald Trump's decision to retain Wray, despite his appointment by President Barack Obama, reflects a tradition of maintaining stability within the FBI. The piece notes that FBI directors are appointed to a 10-year term to insulate the agency from political pressures, a practice established after J. Edgar Hoover's long and controversial tenure. However, the article points out that this tradition has been inconsistently followed, with some directors serving shorter terms due to various reasons including political changes or personal decisions. It also touches on the controversies surrounding the FBI's actions during Trump's presidency, suggesting that these events have put additional scrutiny on the role and independence of the FBI Director. The article concludes by questioning whether the 10-year term limit still serves its intended purpose in the modern political climate.
Read the Full Washington Examiner Article at:
[ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/3259907/fbi-history-directors-10-year-term-trump/ ]
Read the Full Washington Examiner Article at:
[ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/3259907/fbi-history-directors-10-year-term-trump/ ]
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